Starch (dissolvable) packing peanuts

Also called: starch packing peanuts, starch peanuts, dissolvable packing peanuts, dissolving packing peanuts, water soluble packing peanuts, biodegradable packing peanuts

General waste

National rules. Choose your council to see its answer.

Your council's answer

The answer can differ by council. Choose your council to see its rules for this item.

How to prepare it

  1. Reuse them first: neighbours and small sellers are often glad of them
  2. Some suppliers say these can be dissolved in water and rinsed down the sink: only do that if your packaging or supplier says so
  3. Otherwise put them in general waste
  4. Don't put them in plastic recycling or with polystyrene

Get the app

Snap a photo instead of typing, and get a reminder the evening before bin day.

Get it on Google PlayiPhone: coming soon

National rules

The answer isn't the same in every UK nation. Choose your council to see the one that applies to you.

England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

General waste

This can't be recycled here. Put it in your general waste bin.

This item can't be recycled at home, so put it in your general waste bin.

Wales

General waste

This can't be recycled here. Put it in your general waste bin.

This item can't be recycled at home, so put it in your general waste; check if your council also collects nappies and incontinence pads separately.

Wales-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

In our guides

Recycle This isn't run by or endorsed by any council or the government. Councils change their services, so check anything important with your council.