Ice Packs

Ice packs, which are highly common in home meal kit deliveries and temperature-sensitive shipments, require specific handling to prevent severe damage to household plumbing. The gel inside these packs is formulated with super-absorbent polymers that swell and solidify when exposed to water, meaning that draining them down a sink or toilet will easily block your pipes. If an ice pack becomes punctured, the entire unit should be placed directly in the household trash. Similarly, ice packs with thick plastic shells are non-recyclable and must go in the regular garbage cart. To keep these materials out of landfills, consider keeping a few in your freezer for picnics and athletic injuries, or pass them along to food banks and neighbors who can put them to good use.