🗑️ LandfillOften trash — only plain, uncoated paper wrapping recycles.
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.
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.
People also ask
Should I just throw away VHS tapes?
Is tissue paper biodegradable?
What to do with unused Christmas wrapping paper?
Have one of these? Scan the item for an instant answer. · trending questions, updated 2026-11-01