Padded Envelopes Garbage Bin Mixed Materials Are Not OK Padded envelopes that are made of the same materials (e.g., paper envelope with paper cushioning) are easily recycled, but if you want to recycle envelopes made of mixed materials (e.g., paper envelope with bubble-wrap inside), you’ll have to separate them yourself. Ways to Reduce Buy Padded Envelopes Made of Like Materials Buy padded envelopes that are made from paper and paper padding or from plastic and plastic padding and that can be easily recycled, instead of using an envelope made of mixed materials you’ll have to throw out. 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.