Paper is such a big part of our daily lives – whether it’s the morning newspaper, the junk mail we didn’t ask for, or the receipts that somehow pile up in our wallets.
But here’s the thing: not all paper is created equal when it comes to recycling. And in a world where every little effort toward sustainability matters, understanding what paper can and cannot be recycled is a small but impactful step.
When we talk about “mixed paper”, we’re referring to a blend of paper products that tend to end up together – think magazines, envelopes, cardboard boxes, and more.
It’s the catch-all term used by recycling facilities to describe the mix of different paper types people toss into the bin.
The good news? Paper is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet. In fact, according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), 68% of paper used in the United States was recycled in 2022.
That’s a pretty solid effort! However, the tricky part is knowing which types of mixed paper can go into the recycling bin and which should stay out.
Contaminating the recycling stream with the wrong types of paper – like greasy pizza boxes or laminated sheets – can lead to entire batches being sent to landfills instead.
So in this article, I’m going to walk you through:
- What mixed paper actually is,
- Which types of paper can be recycled (and how to do it right),
- Which types can’t be recycled (and what to do with them instead).
By the end, you’ll be equipped to recycle your paper waste like a pro, reducing landfill contributions and giving more paper products a second life. Let’s dive in!
What is Mixed Paper?
If you’ve ever wondered what happens to all those different kinds of paper you toss into the recycling bin, you’re not alone.
The term “mixed paper” is exactly what it sounds like – a broad category for all kinds of paper products that typically get grouped together for recycling.
It includes everything from yesterday’s newspaper to the cereal box you just finished, to that pile of junk mail that magically appears in your mailbox.
Mixed paper is one of the most common materials we interact with daily, and it’s also one of the easiest to recycle – if we do it right. The challenge comes from the sheer variety of paper products we use.
Some are clean and recyclable, while others might be contaminated, laminated, or mixed with non-paper elements, which makes recycling trickier.
The good news is that a large percentage of mixed paper can be recycled, helping to reduce waste and save resources.
Let’s take a look at the types of paper that are recyclable and how you can prepare them to ensure they get a second life.
Types of Mixed Paper That Can Be Recycled
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of mixed paper that can be recycled:
- Newspapers – These are one of the easiest paper products to recycle and are accepted by virtually all recycling programs.
- Magazines and Catalogs – The glossy coating is usually recyclable as long as there are no plastic inserts.
- Office Paper and Printer Paper – Think white or colored paper used for documents, notes, or schoolwork.
- Junk Mail – Envelopes and flyers are fine as long as you remove any plastic windows or unnecessary adhesive.
- Cardboard and Paperboard – Cereal boxes, shoe boxes, and other packaging materials are excellent for recycling. Just flatten them first!
- Phone Books – Although they’re not as common these days, phone books are fully recyclable.
- Paper Bags – Grocery bags and brown paper bags can go straight into the recycling bin.
How to Recycle These Types of Paper
Recycling these items is pretty straightforward, but a little preparation goes a long way to ensure they’re actually processed.
Here are a few tips to help you recycle paper properly:
- Keep it clean and dry – Wet or greasy paper can contaminate entire recycling batches. Make sure everything is free from food, grease, or liquid.
- Remove any non-paper elements – Take out staples, paper clips, plastic windows, or laminated covers. Small amounts of staples are usually okay, but larger pieces of non-paper material can be problematic.
- Flatten boxes and paperboard – Flattening cardboard and packaging makes it easier to handle and transport for recycling centers.
- Check your local recycling rules – Some facilities may have specific rules about what types of paper they accept, so it’s worth checking with your local program.
By taking these small steps, you’re helping ensure that your recyclable paper is put to good use, saving trees, energy, and water in the process.
For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling just one ton of paper saves 17 trees and over 7,000 gallons of water – a pretty impressive return for such a small effort!
Types of Mixed Paper That Cannot Be Recycled
Unfortunately, not all paper products are recyclable. While paper is generally easy to reuse, certain types are contaminated, chemically treated, or mixed with other materials that make recycling impossible.
Tossing these into the recycling bin can ruin entire batches, forcing recycling facilities to send good paper to the landfill instead.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of mixed paper that cannot be recycled:
- Paper Contaminated with Food or Grease – Items like greasy pizza boxes, fast food wrappers, or paper plates are a no-go because food residue interferes with the recycling process.
- Receipts – Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which contains BPA or BPS chemicals that make them non-recyclable.
- Paper Towels, Tissues, and Napkins – These paper products are typically made from lower-grade fibers that are already too broken down for recycling.
- Wax-Coated or Laminated Paper – Think of items like juice cartons, coffee cups, or glossy paper with a plastic or wax layer. While they look like regular paper, that coating makes them hard to process.
- Shredded Paper – While technically recyclable, many facilities don’t accept it because the tiny pieces can clog machinery or scatter during sorting. Check local guidelines.
- Paper with Glitter, Foil, or Heavy Embellishments – Holiday cards, gift wraps, or decorative paper with metallic accents or glitter can’t be recycled.
- Wallpaper – Wallpaper often contains adhesives, coatings, or synthetic materials, which disqualify it from recycling.
How to Dispose of Non-Recyclable Paper
While these paper types can’t be recycled, there are still ways to minimize their environmental impact or dispose of them properly:
- Composting for Clean Paper Products
- Items like paper towels, napkins, and unwaxed food-soiled paper can often go into compost bins. As long as they’re not contaminated with chemicals, they’ll break down naturally.
- Reuse Where Possible
- Receipts can’t be recycled, but you can reduce their usage by opting for digital receipts whenever possible.
- Shredded paper can be reused as packing material, pet bedding, or compost filler.
- Trash for Contaminated Items
- Sadly, items like greasy pizza boxes, wax-coated paper cups, or heavily embellished gift wraps need to go in the trash. To reduce waste, consider alternatives like reusable food containers or recyclable wrapping paper.
- Check for Specialized Recycling Programs
- Some facilities or companies accept laminated paper or wax-coated cartons through specialized programs. Check for drop-off locations in your area.
By keeping these non-recyclable paper types out of the blue bin, you’re helping recycling centers do their job more effectively. It’s all about knowing what belongs where and finding creative ways to minimize waste.
For instance, composting paper towels and napkins can significantly reduce your landfill contributions – while switching to reusable options, like cloth napkins, takes it a step further.
A little awareness goes a long way, and by steering clear of common recycling mistakes, you’re making a real impact on keeping recycling systems efficient and sustainable.
Tips for Efficient Paper Recycling
Recycling paper might seem as simple as tossing it into the bin, but there’s a bit of an art to doing it right.
Small mistakes – like throwing in contaminated paper or failing to prep your items—can derail the recycling process. To make sure your efforts pay off, here are some tips for recycling paper efficiently:
- Keep Paper Clean and Dry
Wet, greasy, or food-stained paper is the #1 enemy of recycling. Moisture weakens the paper fibers, and grease contaminates the pulp during processing. Always keep recyclable paper clean, dry, and free of food residue.
- Separate Non-Paper Elements
Paper is often paired with things like plastic windows on envelopes, staples, or sticky tape. While small amounts (like staples) are usually okay, removing these materials whenever possible makes recycling more efficient.
- Flatten Boxes
Cardboard boxes and paperboard take up a lot of space. Flattening them not only helps with storage but also makes them easier to transport and process at recycling centers.
- Avoid “Wishcycling”
We’ve all been tempted to toss questionable items into the bin, hoping they’ll somehow get recycled. This practice, known as “wishcycling,” actually causes more harm than good. If you’re not sure, check your local recycling guidelines.
- Shred Paper Sparingly
Shredded paper is tricky to recycle because the fibers are so small. If you need to shred it, check if your local facility accepts it. If not, composting or reusing it for packing material are great alternatives.
- Check Your Local Rules
Recycling rules can vary widely depending on where you live. Some cities accept certain items (like wax-coated paper) that others don’t. A quick check of your local waste management guidelines will save a lot of confusion.
The Environmental Impact of Recycling Paper
Recycling paper isn’t just about clearing out your clutter—it has a huge positive impact on the environment.
By giving paper products a second life, we’re saving valuable resources, reducing energy use, and cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are a few impressive stats to put it into perspective:
Recycling one ton of paper saves:
- 17 trees
- 7,000 gallons of water
- 4,000 kilowatt-hours of energy (enough to power an average home for six months)
- 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space
- 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide emissions (a major contributor to climate change)
(Source: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA)
The process of recycling paper uses 40% less energy than making new paper from raw materials.
Plus, every time you recycle, you’re reducing the need to cut down more trees, preserving forests that act as critical carbon sinks for our planet.
Conclusion
Mixed paper recycling might seem small, but it’s a simple and impactful way to contribute to a more sustainable world.
By understanding what types of paper can and can’t be recycled, we can prevent contamination, keep recycling systems running smoothly, and maximize the resources we save.
The next time you’re holding that pizza box or junk mail, remember:
- If it’s clean and dry, recycle it.
- If it’s contaminated or laminated, compost it or dispose of it properly.
- And if you’re unsure, a quick check of local guidelines makes all the difference.
It’s these small choices, made daily, that add up to big environmental wins. So, let’s keep recycling smarter and working toward a greener, cleaner future – one piece of paper at a time!