You may have noticed the old ice packs that used to cool your harvest have been replaced with our new and improved cooling agent - Enviro-Ice! You can read all about what's in them and how to recycle them if you don't want them picked up here.
One of our most requested environmentally-friendly initiatives requested is that we recycle and reuse the ice packs that come with your harvest. We're thrilled to announce that we'll be taking back your ice packs for cleaning and reuse if you live in our Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC Markets! Read on for details about this change.
When will this start?
September 13th, 2023 is the first date that you can leave out your ice packs for collection!
How will you take back my ice packs for reuse?
Hungry Harvest drivers will collect your ice packs when they drop off your harvest! Please note that drivers can only collect ice packs on weeks that you have a delivery, and will not pick up ice packs on weeks that you don't receive a delivery.
How will you clean the ice packs so that they're sanitary?
We're working with our Partner, Dispatch Goods, to ensure that we have space to clean, sanitize, dry, and then re-freeze these packs. That takes a lot of space! As soon as you return those packs, we take them to our partner, who will oversee the cleaning of these packs so that they're ready for reuse by your next delivery.
Do I have to return my ice packs?
No! This is a completely optional process. Those Enviro-Ice packs can still be used to nourish your plants, or even just as a great lunchbox cooler if you'd prefer to keep them. However, if you find you're collecting too many, feel free to leave a few out for your driver to collect!
How do I prepare my ice packs for return?
For ease of transport, please ensure that your ice packs are thawed and dry for drivers. Leave them where your harvest is dropped off for your driver to pick up - if you'd like to leave them in a labeled box or bag, that's even MORE helpful so that your driver recognizes the bag for pickup!
For example, leaving your thawed ice packs on the porch in an open Hungry Harvest box from your previous delivery will help your driver know what to pick up!
Please leave five or fewer ice packs out at a time for drivers to collect. These items are heavy in transit, and with the weight of multiple ice pack pickups, drivers may not have room or be able to carry returns larger than five packs per delivery. If you have a large stockpile of our ice packs to return, please gradually return the packs by placing them in returns of five or fewer in the location that your harvest is usually delivered.
What if my driver forgets to collect the ice packs?
Don't worry! This is a new process, and drivers are also getting used to picking up ice packs each week. Please reach out to family@hungryharvest.net if your driver forgets to grab your ice pack. We'll ask our Logistics team to remind them to pick it up, and they should take them when they deliver your next harvest.
Please note that if you leave out more than five packs at a time, drivers may not be able to collect them due to limited space in delivery vehicles, and the weight of the packs.
Can you remind me to leave my ice packs out for my driver?
Absolutely! Please message us via chat or email family@hungryharvest.net and let us know you'd like to opt-in for Ice Pack Pickup Reminder SMS. We'll text you at 7 AM on your delivery day to let you know you need to leave out your ice packs for driver pickup!
That being said, you can still recycle these packs at a drop off center in your area (click here to find one near you) if that's easier. Simply cut the corner and pour the gel down a household drain or flush in a toilet. Rinse the plastic pouch and recycle it anywhere #4 low density polyethylene plastic is accepted. Whole gel packs may be disposed of in your waste bin according to local and state laws.
Don’t forget that the boxes are recyclable too! While we can't take those back just yet, they can go right in your home recycling bin for pick up! Click here to find out how to recycle your boxes.
If you have other questions about our boxes, ice packs, recycling and sustainability initiatives, please reach out via email to family@hungryharvest.net. We're happy to help!