How to Recycle Wrapping Paper
With all that gift-wrapping ahead, you might ask yourself “can wrapping paper be recycled?” The short answer is yes, but there are some things to consider.
First off, it’s worth mentioning that some local authorities won’t accept wrapping paper as recycling. This is because some of the materials used to decorate wrapping paper cannot be recycled. For example, you can’t recycle wrapping paper if it was dyed, laminated, or contains glitter. Also, some wrapping paper is very thin and contains few quality fibers. So be sure to check local ordinances before tossing wrapping paper in the recycling bin.
If you want to buy wrapping paper that can be recycled, experts suggest using simple, glitter-free, non-laminated wrapping paper. Oh, and don’t forget to remove any leftover tape!
But besides buying wrapping paper, there’s an even more eco-friendly way to wrap your gifts: making your own wrapping paper!
Try wrapping your gifts in craft paper from shipping boxes, which is used as box stuffing and is easily recyclable. Or to add more color and entertainment to the holidays, use old newspaper as wrapping paper (we recommend the comic strips). The kids will love it and adult comic fans will, too!
How to Recycle Shipping Boxes
With gift lists that can sometimes feel endless, online shopping is a great way to give yourself a little more “me-time” during the holidays. Unfortunately, online shopping can also lead to another problem: cardboard. Lots and lots of cardboard.
Thankfully, if you want to recycle shipping boxes or any other cardboard box that arrives at your home, there are only a few simple things to keep in mind:
- • Before placing them in the recycling bin, break down Shipping boxes and other cardboard to maximize space.
- • Remove any plastic from the cardboard box, as boxes with plastic on the interior cannot be recycled.
- • Plastic and foam packing materials can be a big problem for sorting equipment at recycling centers, so be sure to keep these out of your recycling bin.
Besides Wrapping Paper, What Else Can I Recycle?
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, families typically buy gifts, ship boxes, and wrapping paper, therefore, increasing their waste. But the good news is that, after a little bit of research, you’ll be surprised at how much of this waste you can reuse, re-purpose, and recycle.
Besides wrapping paper and shipping boxes, there’s a lot of other things you might think about recycling. And to make things easier for you, we made a list of recyclable and non-recyclable items.
Also, if you’re holding a party, it’s a great idea to put out a recycling bin so your guests can recycle their own bottles, cans and yes, even wrapping paper.
