What to do with
Paper
Want to recycle paper but don't know if you can?
Paper is widely recycled but there are exceptions. To check the types of paper you can recycle at home or to find out where your nearest recycling facilities are, use our handy Recycling Locator tool.
When recycling paper please remember:
- Remove any plastic wrapping and free gifts from newspapers, magazines and junk mail and put in the general rubbish.
- Paper is one of the most valuable recyclable materials - but only when it is clean.
- If you scrunch paper and it doesn't spring back, then it can be recycled.
| Yes please | No thanks |
|---|---|
| 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) |
See how paper is recycled