What to do with
Paper
Paper is widely recycled
However, there are a few exceptions- find out more below. Most local authorities accept paper in their recycling collections - enter your postcode below to check if yours does.
Paper recycling tips
- Paper is a valuable recyclable material but only when it is clean.
- Remove any plastic wrapping from newspapers and magazines - this can be recycled with plastic bags at larger supermarkets.
- If you scrunch paper and it doesn't spring back, then it can be recycled.
| Newspapers and supplements | Paper that is stained with foodstuffs, grease, paint or dirt (e.g. greaseproof or baking paper, kids paintings) |
| Magazines, brochures and catalogues | Hygiene/sanitary products (e.g. nappies, wipes, sanitary towels) |
| White paper (e.g. computer paper, letters) | Used paper towels |
| Shredded paper | Tissues |
| Telephone directories | Cotton wool and make up pads |
| Junk mail and flyers | Wet wipes |
| Envelopes (including those with a window) | Sticky papers (e.g. Post-it notes, sticky labels or paper tape) |
| Non-paper gift wrap or bags (e.g. foil-based gift wrapping) | |
| Crisp or sweet packets or wrappers | |
| Wallpaper and decoration paper | |
| Brown paper (this should be recycled with card because it causes brown flecks in new paper) |