Buzz
As the mountain of wrapping paper accumulates on the living room floor, the perennial holiday question surfaces once again: How should we handle all this? Must it all end up in the garbage? Is wrapping paper recyclable? What about the shiny, glittery types? Does tape affect its recyclability? This holiday season, let’s skip the disposal dilemma. We’ve got the solutions you need.
You might think the answer lies in the name itself: wrapping paper. Naturally, it should go into the recycling bin with your cardboard and junk mail, right? However, as you’ve probably suspected, the reality isn’t quite that simple.
Paper or Not Really Paper?
In reality, much of what’s marketed as wrapping 'paper' isn’t truly paper. Options like metallic, glittery, or translucent wraps often contain plastic, making them unsuitable for recycling into new paper products. Even some wrapping paper that is purely paper-based may not be recyclable. For instance, extremely thin wrapping paper lacks the durable fibers needed for effective recycling.
However, there’s good news! Standard matte paper, even with vibrant colors, is fully recyclable. To confirm if your wrapping paper is recyclable, try the scrunch test: Crumple a piece of the wrapping paper. If it remains scrunched, it’s recyclable. If it unfolds, it belongs in the trash.
Handling the Remaining Materials
What should you do with the rest of the discarded wrapping materials? Tissue paper is ideal for composting, while gift bags can be treated like regular paper (just remove the handles). Ribbons, bows, and tape, however, should never go into the recycling bin.
Repurpose Whenever Possible
The most eco-friendly approach to handling leftover wrapping paper and accessories is to reuse as much as possible! Durable wrapping paper that’s still intact can be neatly folded and saved for future use. Bows and ribbons in good condition can also be stored and reused. For a greener option, consider sustainable wrapping alternatives such as newspapers, fabric wraps, boxes, or reusable bags.
If Unsure, Dispose of It
Avoid the pitfall of 'wishcycling'—assuming something is recyclable just because you hope it is. This well-meaning but misguided practice can disrupt recycling operations and create issues for recycling facilities. Brent Bell, VP of recycling operations at Waste Management, told Mother Jones in 2019 that 25% of the materials they receive are non-recyclable and must be discarded. When in doubt about whether a piece of wrapping paper is recyclable, the safest choice is to throw it away.
