Alexei Volkov
Newspaper is easily recyclable through many curbside recycling programs and can be made into new newsprint and other materials. However, it is important to keep newspapers and other recyclables dry and clean before putting them in the recycling bin. Food and liquid can contaminate the recycling, as can non-recyclable materials such as plastic bags. Plastic bags and film packaging that newspapers often come in can be recycled, but they are typically not accepted in curbside recycling programs and must be dropped off at specific locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is newspaper recyclable? | Yes |
| What about newspaper bags? | Not recyclable in your blue bin, but can be recycled separately |
| What about colored pages and inserts? | Recyclable |
| What if the newspaper is contaminated with oil? | Can still be recycled |
| What if the newspaper is wet? | Can still be recycled |
| What if the newspaper has food waste? | Cannot be recycled |
| How else can old newspapers be used? | Crafts, papier-mâché, vermicomposting bedding |
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What You'll Learn
Newspaper bags and film packaging can be recycled
Plastic bags and film packaging that newspapers often come in can be recycled. However, they are recycled differently than plastic bottles and containers. Most recycling facilities are designed to handle plastic bottles and containers, and when plastic bags and films are included, they get clogged in the large commercial machines that sort and separate the recyclables. This causes the machines to shut down, requiring workers to manually clean them out, which is a waste of time, money, and material.
Therefore, plastic bags and film packaging do not go in most curbside recycling bins. Instead, they are accepted at participating retail store recycling bins, which are often found outside/inside many large retailers. These retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul this plastic to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products.
One primary use for recycled plastic film packaging is durable plastic or composite lumber for decks, fences, and other outdoor uses. Other uses include backyard decking, outdoor furniture, fences, playground equipment, rugs and mats, pipes, pallets, crates, clothing, shoes, blankets, and even new plastic bags.
To recycle plastic bags and film packaging correctly, ensure that they are clean and dry before dropping them in the bin.
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Wet newspapers can be recycled
To dry wet newspapers, you can simply leave them out to dry in the sun or a well-ventilated area. Alternatively, you could use a hairdryer or a similar device to speed up the drying process. It is important to note that the drying process should be thorough, as any remaining moisture can affect the quality of the recycled paper.
In addition to drying and cleaning, it is essential to remove any non-paper items, such as plastic sleeves or bags that sometimes come with newspapers. These can be recycled separately in appropriate bins, often found at stores like Kroger and Walmart.
If you have a worm bin or are interested in vermicomposting, damp newspaper strips can be used as bedding material. This is a great way to reuse wet newspapers and create a comfortable environment for your worms. You can also get creative and repurpose wet newspapers for various craft projects, such as picture frame mats or decoupaged tabletops.
While it is important to dry and clean wet newspapers before recycling, it is worth noting that some recycling centres might have specific guidelines or limitations. It is always a good idea to check with your local recycling centre or refer to your community's website to understand the accepted recycling practices in your area.
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Paper types that cannot be recycled
Paper is one of the easiest materials to recycle, and recycling paper has a positive impact on the environment. However, there are some types of paper that cannot be recycled and should be avoided or substituted for greener alternatives.
Firstly, any paper that is coated or treated, such as with wax, plastic, or foil, cannot be recycled. This includes some Christmas cards, metallic wrapping paper, and paper cups. Paper with food waste, grease, or liquids on it also cannot be recycled. This includes items such as takeaway cartons, used paper towels, and pizza boxes. Even if a pizza box is just greasy and not heavily soiled, it should be composted instead of recycled. Similarly, paper products contaminated with food, grease, or other liquids, such as used tissues, napkins, wipes, or sanitary towels, cannot be recycled.
Some types of paper are difficult to recycle due to their short paper fibres. For example, tissues are often made from recycled paper, and further recycling will result in a low-quality pulp. Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which contains BPA (Bisphenol A) that resists decomposition and cannot be recycled. Sticky paper and most wrapping paper are also challenging to recycle due to decorations such as textures, sticky tape, ribbons, or bows.
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Curbside recycling programs for newspapers
Newspapers can be recycled and are accepted by most community or office recycling programs. However, it is important to check with your local community's website to understand what is accepted in your area. For example, very few localities accept styrofoam in curbside recycling.
Curbside recycling is a community waste reduction program that was implemented in response to the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989. All California communities are required to divert 50% of their municipal solid waste from landfills or face fines for non-compliance. The cost of the single-family residential recycling program is included in the garbage collection rates. Commercial entities and multi-family complexes can also subscribe to curbside and bin recycling services based on the commercial rate fee schedule.
In areas of Yuba and Sutter Counties with curbside recycling services, the blue cart is for recyclables, the green cart is for yard waste, and the gray cart is for everything that is neither recyclable nor green waste. Items that cannot be recycled include hazardous waste, plastic utensils, and styrofoam.
To recycle newspapers, keep them dry and clean, and then put them in the recycling bin. Food is one of the worst contaminants in the paper recycling process. If your newspaper is contaminated with oil, it may be more difficult to recycle. However, if your newspaper is simply wet from sitting in the rain, it can still be recycled.
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How to find out what can be recycled locally
Recycling is a great way to ensure that materials find a second life and contribute to a sustainable planet. However, it's important to know what can and cannot be recycled in your local area. Here are some ways to find out what can be recycled locally:
- Check your local community's website: Many local communities have websites that provide information on what is accepted for recycling in your area. This helps you avoid "wishcycling", which is putting something in your recycling bin hoping it will be recycled when it may not be accepted.
- Contact your local recycling program: Different areas may have different rules and accepted materials for recycling. Contacting your local recycling program or waste management service will give you specific information on what can be recycled.
- Use online tools: Some websites, like Earth911, offer tools to help you determine what can be recycled and provide locations near you for specific types of recycling, such as newspaper or plastic.
- Check product labels: For certain types of plastic, compostable, or biobased items, the product label will often provide information on its compostability and recyclability.
- Separate materials: Keep in mind that certain materials, like glass, plastic, metal, and paper, are often recycled separately. For example, glass bottles and metal bottle caps should be recycled separately, and plastic bags and film packaging should be separated from newspapers.
By following these steps, you can gain a better understanding of what can be recycled in your local area. Remember to always keep your recyclables clean and dry, as contamination from food, grease, or oil can disrupt the recycling process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newspaper is easily recycled through many curbside recycling programs and can be made into new newsprint and other materials.
If your newspaper is simply wet from sitting in the rain, you can still recycle it.
You can recycle plastic bags and film packaging that newspaper often comes in. Be sure to check local programs to confirm what's recyclable in your area and avoid wishcycling.
