Padded Envelopes (Paper) Garbage Bin Mixed Materials Are Not OK Padded envelopes that are made of the same materials (e.g., paper envelope with paper cushioning) are recyclable, while padded envelopes made from different materials (e.g., paper envelope with plastic bubble wrap inside) are not recyclable. Ways to Reuse Use Padded Envelopes More Than Once Save the padded envelopes you receive and use them again when you have something to mail. Just place labels over the original addresses and make sure to use enough tape to keep the envelope closed. Use Old Envelopes as Bubble Wrap Keep used mailers and save them for when you next need to wrap or ship something fragile.