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Paper

Paper
Did You Know?
Besides easily recognizable paper products (e.g, writing paper or paper towels), more than 5,000 products can be made from recycled paper, including masking tape, paper money, bandages, hospital gowns, car insulation, lamps shades, egg cartons and much more! (Source: U.S. EPA)
Paper recycling has many benefits and research shows Twin Cities households should recycle more of it. A 2000 study showed that 21% of what's in the average Twin Cities household garbage is actually recyclable paper, and belongs in the recycling cart!

Reduction Tips

  • Stop unwanted advertising mail. For more information, check out our Junk Mail page or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Reduce the Hail of Junk Mail Fact Sheet.
  • Use reusable or cloth bags for groceries or shopping instead of paper or plastic shopping bags.
  • To close the recycling loop, buy new paper products made from recycled paper. 

 

Reuse Tips

 

  • Reuse paper that has print on only one side. This paper can be used for writing shopping lists, notes or for family art projects.
  • Rather than buying wrapping paper (it's not recyclable), use an alternative wrapping like pages from old calendars or magazines. You can also use wrapping that becomes part of the gift, like a pretty scarf or a basket.

 

Recycling & Disposal Information

Much of the paper in our homes is recyclable and it is generated throughout the home, not just in the kitchen. Consider placing containers for recycling next to where you open your mail or in your bathroom. You're more likely to recycle more if recycling containers are readily available.

Paper Recycling Guide: Can I Recycle It?

Yes—Place These in Your Curbside Recycling Bin/Cart

  • Mail, office and school papers 
  • Magazines and catalogs 
  • Newspapers and inserts 
  • Phone books 
  • Shredded paper in closed paper bags 
  • Cardboard boxes 
  • Cereal boxes, cracker boxes, pasta boxes, cake mix boxes 
  • Shoe boxes, gift boxes & electronics boxes 
  • Boxes from toothpaste, medications and other toiletries

 

No—Place These in Your Garbage Can 

  • Pizza boxes, egg cartons or boxes soiled with food 
  • Boxes from refrigerated or frozen foods 
  • Paper towels, napkins, cups and plates 
  • Gift wrap, wrapping paper

 

Which Kitchen Boxes Can Be Recycled?

If the food box is stored in the cupboard—the box is recyclable. If it goesin the fridge, freezer or microwave, the box has a wax coating and belongs inthe garbage.

Don't forget to recycle your cans and bottles too! To learn more about curbside recycling in the Twin Cities metro area, visit our Recycling 101 page.


For more information on paper recycling in your area, call your city recycling coordinator or contact your county (see links at right).