Few people realize that in most towns across the USA, mixed paper can be recycled with your weekly recycling pick-up.
To find out whether your town does, Google your local solid waste management program. You can also check Earth911 to find a drop-off center near you.
What is mixed paper?
- Paper of all kinds - not just newspapers and office paper! We mean junk mail, construction paper, old birthday cards, cardstock, paper shopping bags, and any other non-standard paper. Staples are fine.
- Paperboard. Shoeboxes, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, etc which are clean and dry - no food contamination!
- Soft books of all kinds. Phone books, paperback novels and catalogs are examples.
How to recycle mixed paper at your home or office:
- Designate a bin, box or bag for mixed paper in your home or office. I use an inexpensive crate like this one.
- Deal with junk mail right away. Do NOT set it aside for later. Put your junk mail directly into your mixed paper bin so it doesn’t pile up! Remember: Envelopes with plastic windows cannot be recycled, but their contents can! Shred any credit card offers.
- Make mixed paper recycling a habit. Each time you receive a package, finish off a box of cereal, or pay bills, gather your mixed paper and head toward the recycle bin!
- Put your bin out on recycling pick day along with your other recyclables.
Ready to go a step further? Simplify your paperwork.
If you have thoughts on this or other ideas, post a comment or write to Crystal.
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that the envelopes with the plastic windows can be recycled in some areas. New technology allows them to sort it out later. Orange County (NC) website doesn’t say anything about the windows, positive or negative; Durham, NC says no windows. They both have extensive lists of what can and can’t be recycled and options for things they can’t recycle like athletic shoes that are too bad for a thrift store (Nike makes courts and tracks from them).
Donna, thanks so much for your comment.
Wow, this new technology could really make it easier for people to recycle. I’d sure love to toss junk mail in the mixed paper bin without first trashing the plastic window envelopes. I’ll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for a change in technology in Durham.
Folks, per Donna’s comment, let’s all check our local recycling Web sites to see whether plastic windows are allowed in our specific area.