Can Gel Packs be Recycled? 

You can re-use them for a picnic or in a lunch box. Once you’re finished, melt the ice packs, cut open the bags, pour the non-toxic solution down the drain (using hot water to dissolve the gel), and recycle the plastic casing.

Why not re-use them?  They are great for picnics and lunchboxes.

To dispose of your gel ice packs, defrost them and cut open a corner with scissors:

• Dispose of the contents in your external drain. Or in a sink using hot water to dilute.  You don’t need to worry if the contents touch your skin as this is a non-toxic substance.  The contents are benign and not harmful to the environment.  It is an inert media so does not release harmful gases when in landfill. – it will have no mineral effect to the soil.
• Once the gel has been removed from the bag, give it a good rinse and your plastic casing can be placed in a recycling bin!

Do not dispose of the contents in a septic tank.