Where to find free bubble wrap?

[jchan1701]

New buyer here, any tips for finding free packaging materials like bubble wrap or packaging pillows? I only want to sell a few items, so it's not worth it to invest in a big roll.

[wastingtime101]

You can get small rolls at Staples, no need to "invest in a big roll," but trust me when I say it doesn't go as far as you think it will, especially for large Lego sets that you mentioned in your other post. You may want a single big roll.

Lego sets are pricey. In my opinion it's worth going to Staples and buying 1 large roll.

That said, check with your local auto repair place - they receive parts wrapped in bubble and may be willing to share.

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@jchan1701 wrote:

New buyer here, any tips for finding free packaging materials like bubble wrap or packaging pillows? I only want to sell a few items, so it's not worth it to invest in a big roll.

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Many local dumps/landfills have areas (staging areas at location) that give away free packing peanuts, bubble wrap, Kraft paper, and other packing materials. YMMV

If you do choose to buy it, don't buy it online. Places like Harbor Freight sell smaller sizes (length) or Uhaul stores, Office Depot, Walmart, Staples, Target, and other retailers. Some retailers will price match bubblewrap even if the brand is different. (size of bubble and length the same)

[pcobra93]

Stop at any auto body shop....they throw away TONS of great packing supplies. I have not purchased packing supplies for over 10 years after I found this out.

[stainlessenginecovers]

You can buy it right here on ebay for about $40 and would be enough for a lifetime (700' x 12") compared to that same $40 at Staples etc. you'll get 1/10th the quantity. 

[chevymontecarlo88]

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@stainlessenginecovers wrote:

You can buy it right here on ebay for about $40 and would be enough for a lifetime (700' x 12") compared to that same $40 at Staples etc. you'll get 1/10th the quantity. 

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Buying bubble wrap on Ebay is risky. (quality varies from almost every seller) IMHO

I find Kraft paper is better on most items and is recyclable.

I would agree with pcobra93 on body shops. They usually get shipments in daily and they typically do not save them. Computer shops are also a good resource if you need it to be free.

[ryry-jj]

When people mention the quality of bubble they are referring to economy bubble vs industrial, they are different.   Economy is mostly used for dunnage, industrial for protection. Economy is a price point, industrial is a value added.  At one time industrial bubble had vinyl added to give it strength.  However, with recycling that has gone away to just a heavier mil since the two material can not be separated.   If you cant find out what grade you are buying, reach a few inches into the roll, squeeze as you  pick it up, if your fingers easily pop the bubbles, economy.

Do what people have said, buy new clean bubble

[bonanza125]

To get free packaging material you really have to know someone personally who has that stuff they are throwing away like a friend or family member. I got people giving me that stuff all the time. However if you personally don't know anyone who may have any laying around then go to Staples and pick up good quality bubble wrap. As far as packing pillows you could replace that with packing paper. Unless you are dealing with something very fragile. 

[crystal-bear]

Go to any smoke shop, we get some bubble wrap and a lot of packing peanuts. Call first. Good luck.

[1786davycrockett]

@jchan1701 

After 12:00 noon, check the receiving manager at any Barnes & Noble bookstore for their disposable shipping supplies.

B & N receives morning shipments Monday thru Friday, and normally has to pay to have the packing materials recycled.  So ask for the receiving manager (after 12:00 noon PLEASE!!! -- those receiving folks are VERY busy before noon!) -- they will generally be delighted to supply you with excess sheets of plastic, packaging pillows, packing peanuts, cardboard, etc.

[bennotbill]

I often use Lidl's supermarket for sheets of bubble wrap from their vegetable section. Boxes from my local Pound store and shoe shops.

[worldcoinauctions]

Once or twice a year I go on a local facebook group for trading stuff and ask for bubble wrap and packing peanuts. I usually get a good supply for free. 

[kalyoth]

If you use Facebook - look for pages similar to name of "Buy Nothing" or community pages you are part of asking if anyone has packing materials from received shipments they are seeking to be rid of. I found significant free materials including boxes in this manner. Amazon was a popular box.

[fab_finds4u]

Auto body shop and furniture stores.