Can you recycle wrapping paper?

It depends on the wrap. Plain paper gift wrap (the kind that tears easily and has no shine) can go in the blue recycling cart. But foil, glittery, laminated, or plastic-coated wrapping paper is trash — it isn't pure paper, so it contaminates recycling.

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The scrunch test

Scrunch it in your hand. If it stays crumpled, it's mostly paper and can usually be recycled. If it springs back or is shiny and metallic, it has a plastic or foil layer — that goes in the black trash cart.

Remove the extras

Take off tape, ribbons, bows, and gift tags with glitter or foil — those are trash and don't belong in recycling. Tissue paper is low-grade but can often be composted.

Better yet

Save gift bags and undamaged paper to reuse — the greenest option of all.

Wrapping Paper — quick FAQ

What wrapping paper is not recyclable?

Foil, metallic, glittery, laminated, and plastic-coated wrapping paper — none of it is pure paper, so it goes in the trash, not recycling.

Does wrapping paper go in the garbage or recycle?

Plain, uncoated paper wrap recycles; shiny, foil, or glittery wrap goes in the garbage. Use the scrunch test if you're not sure.

Can wrapping paper go into the recycle bin?

Only plain paper wrapping, with all tape, ribbon, and bows removed. Coated or metallic wrap contaminates the load and belongs in the trash.

What do you do with old wrapping paper?

Reuse what you can, recycle plain paper wrap, and trash foil/glitter/coated wrap along with any ribbons or bows.

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Not sure about something else? Point your camera at it and Recyclens tells you the right bin.