Paper recycling – what goes in, and what should stay out

Recycling paper and cardboard is one of the simplest ways to contribute to a more sustainable future. By maximising the reuse of these materials, we help reduce the demand for virgin trees, minimising deforestation and the environmental impact of producing new paper-based products. However, despite the clear benefits of paper recycling, there is often confusion about what exactly belongs in the paper and cardboard bin. Can pizza boxes be recycled? What about window-faced envelopes?

Understanding what goes in your paper and cardboard bin is essential for effective recycling. By ensuring that only recyclable items are placed in the correct bin, we can all help prevent contamination, improve the recycling process, and ensure more materials are reused instead of going to landfill.

What Paper Products Can You Recycle?

Office environments typically generate a large amount of paper waste, and fortunately, most types of paper can be recycled. Here’s a list of what can confidently go in your paper and cardboard recycling bin:

White and coloured paper: Whether it’s plain or brightly coloured, white and coloured paper are both recyclable. These materials are often used for printing, notetaking, or drawing and can easily be repurposed once recycled.

Envelopes (including window-faced): Many people wonder whether window-faced envelopes can be recycled due to the plastic window. The good news is that these envelopes can be placed in the recycling bin. Modern recycling processes are equipped to handle small plastic elements such as these windows, ensuring the paper component is recycled efficiently.

Manila folders and binder dividers: Used for organising documents, both manila folders and binder dividers are typically made from recyclable paper products. Just make sure any plastic or metal components are removed beforehand.

Newspapers, magazines, and brochures: Printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, and brochures are all recyclable. Glossy paper is also acceptable, so don’t hesitate to toss that brochure into the recycling bin.

Telephone books: While less common in today’s digital age, old telephone books can still be found in offices or homes. These too are recyclable and should be placed in the paper recycling bin.

Shredded Paper and Printed Documents

Offices often deal with confidential documents, which are shredded for security purposes. You might wonder whether shredded paper can be recycled, and the answer is yes! Shredded paper is perfectly recyclable, though it’s a good idea to place it in a paper bag before tossing it into the bin. This helps prevent small bits of paper from scattering, making the recycling process easier.

Printed documents, reports, and photocopy paper are all recyclable, even if they contain staples. Recycling facilities are equipped to handle minor contaminants like staples and paperclips, so there’s no need to remove them before recycling your paper.

Cardboard and Packaging

Cardboard is one of the most versatile recyclable materials, and it comes in various forms. Unwaxed cardboard boxes are recyclable and can be flattened to save space in your bin. Common cardboard products such as **egg cartons** can also be recycled. However, waxed cardboard or greasy packaging should be kept out of the recycling bin as the wax and grease can contaminate the recycling process.

Pizza boxes, often a subject of debate, can indeed be recycled—provided they are free of food scraps. If the box is heavily soiled with grease or cheese, it’s best to tear off and recycle the clean parts, discarding the dirty portions.

Glossy or matte packaging, often found in product boxes or mailers, is also recyclable. As long as the packaging is free of food contamination and other non-recyclable elements like plastic inserts, you can safely place it in your paper and cardboard bin.

Recycle with Confidence

Recycling paper and cardboard doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your office waste is properly sorted and ready for recycling. Reducing contamination in recycling bins is crucial for ensuring that the materials you recycle actually get repurposed and don’t end up in landfill due to improper sorting.

Remember, every piece of paper or cardboard that is recycled helps conserve natural resources and reduces the need for new trees to be felled. So next time you’re unsure whether something belongs in the recycling bin, think back to these simple rules or contact our friendly team today.