Paper & Card
Paper
office paper, printer paper, newspaper, mixed paper, junk mail
Can you recycle?
Widely
Yes — clean paper is widely recycled. Keep it dry and put it in your curbside recycling; shredded paper may need bagging.
How to prepare
1. Keep paper clean and dry. 2. Remove plastic windows from envelopes and any laminated or foil pieces. 3. Leave staples on — they're removed during processing. 4. Place loose paper in your curbside recycling.
Common mistakes
Recycling greasy, wet, or food-soiled paper. Including laminated, foil, or glittery paper, which isn't recyclable. Putting loose shredded paper in the bin, where it scatters — bag it if your program asks.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled paper is pulped and pressed into new paper, newspaper, and cardboard. Its fibers can be recycled five to seven times before they wear out.
Drop-off guidance
Almost all curbside programs collect paper. For large amounts, recycling centers and paper banks take it. Used paper that's still blank on one side is handy for notes first.
FAQs
Can I recycle paper?
Yes, when it's clean and dry. Most paper — office paper, newspaper, junk mail — goes straight in your curbside recycling.
Where can I recycle paper near me?
Use the lookup above. Nearly all home collections take paper, and recycling centers handle larger amounts.
Is it free to recycle paper?
Yes. Curbside paper recycling is included at no cost.
Can I get paid to recycle paper?
Not for household amounts, but scrap paper dealers may pay for large, clean, sorted volumes.
