Dissolvable packing materials - safe?

[whatausername]

Those packing pellets that used to be made of polystyrene can now dissolve in water. Any idea if they are harmful to animals? Don't want to dissolve them on the grass or surrounding area and have paws absorbing them or some critter chewing the grass and becoming ill. Lots of wildlife in garden and plenty of pets about. I think the pellets can also now go in recycling - I forget which type, probably the garden waste.

Just put them in the sink. Every time you wash your hands they will start dissolving.

I think they are actually made from corn so in theory aren’t harmful. I stick mine in the compost bin.

People do crafts with them too. Google dissolvable packing peanuts for tips if you have bored kids.

They turn to sticky mushy, leave a residue and take time to dissolve so definitely not popping in the sink! Turns out they are made of cornstarch

They're made from corn. Put them in your compost / food waste bin if you can't reuse them yourself (eg if you are posting presents / things you've sold on eBay).