>> i need something that will either do free returns like through the mail or where i can just drop it off like at u.p.s. >> reporter: it is not as free as many stores would have you believe. with the surge of pandemic online shopping the cost of a return is rising fast thanks to supply chain constraints. now the average holiday return is two-thirds of the original price tag you paid for the gift. that includes the cost of transportation, warehouses, and paying workers to process your item. >> i have to get at least two sizes because i never know if it is going to fit. >> reporter: angel rummins plans on sending back clothing she bought online for christmas and exercises for her teenage daughter a shopping style called fracketing >> i try to be intentional but i know how hard it is when something doesn't fit. >> reporter: rummins is also well aware not all returns end up back on the warehouse shelf to be resold. an estimated 5.8 billion tons of return packaging will end up in a landfill starting now,