Dear Recyclebank: Can you recycle glossy paper? –Morgan L.
Dear Morgan L: Great question. Glossy paper, such as that found in magazines, fliers, junk mail, brochures, business cards, etc., is recyclable curbside.
Glossy paper gets it shiny surface from additives, such as minerals or resins that fill in the gaps in the fibers of the paper to create a smooth, shiny surface. Magazines, brochures, fliers and junk mail all fall into this category, and all belong in the recycle bin.
Most business cards also belong in the bin, with some exceptions. Some business cards have extra coatings made of polymers to make them more durable and impressive. While this coating creates that fancy look and adds a layer of professionalism, it also may make them unrecyclable. If you have those kinds of cards on your hands, test them to see if they will rip easily. If not, they probably aren’t recyclable.
Another one to watch out for it giftwrap. While many paper products can be recovered up to seven times before their fiber strength is lost, paper with a metallic coating, such as certain giftwraps, cannot be recycled.
Here’s an easy test for metallic-looking paper: Crumple it in your hand. If it remains crumpled, you can recycle it. If it doesn’t easily crumple, keep it out of the recycle.
If possible, try to steer clear of metallic paper to begin with, and purchase products that are responsibly sourced by looking for the Forest Steward Council seal.
Shopping green when you can, and participating in community recycling programs, are two positive things you can do to take an active role in creating a zero-waste economy.
If you’re the creative type, you could try some of these at-home glossy paper craft ideas:
1. Convert your old magazines into gift-wrap.
2. Create a collage.
4. Reuse unwanted business cards by turning them into bookmarks or into other creative, fun things.
So remember, normal glossy paper goes in the recycle bin. But before you put it there, why not repurpose it and have some fun with it by making something new and uniquely yours with it?
It's been said many times here that paper can only be recycled up to seven times, but how do you know if any of what you're putting in the recycling bin has reached its recycling life?
David,
It's not important to know how many rounds of recycling a particular paper product has been through. What's important is knowing which types of paper can be put into the recycle, and which must stay out of the recycle. For instance, paper towels are often made from paper that's been recycled before, and once they're made into paper towels those fibers are at the quality level that is no longer desireable for recycling again.
Joanna,
Contamination of quality paper recycle by unrecyclable paper is a big problem in the recycling process, and is actually quite difficult to sort out. Unrecyclable paper lowers the overall quality of recycled-paper bales, making them harder to sell, which can cause them to end up in the landfill, so it is very important for consumers to ensure our curbside recycling is done properly.