Did you know that paper and paper-based packaging are among the most recycled materials in the United States? And you can feel good knowing that by recycling, you are reusing resources, making the planet healthier by having less in landfills.

Your help is crucial, so we’re making it even easier for you to identify exactly what to recycle in your everyday life.

Did you know that pizza boxes and paper coffee cups are being accepted at more and more recycling facilities? Check your local recycling rules, as every area has different guidelines.

Can You Recycle …

Here’s the thing to remember: Just because something is made to be recycled doesn’t mean that every recycling program will accept it. Different facilities have different capabilities. So when in doubt, check your local guidelines—but use this as a starting point. When you recycle any paper product, you’re continuing the cycle of reusing materials to get the most out of our natural resources.
 

• Can you recycle paper? Yes! Think writing paper, printer paper, file folders and stationery. (For more specific types of paper, keep reading.)
• Can you recycle colored paper? Yes! Colored paper can be recycled, but not glittery and foil paper.
• Can you recycle mail? Yes! Even mail with those little cellophane windows can be recycled. If you still get coupons, toss those in too.
• Can you recycle wrapping paper? Yes! That includes the paper tube as well as tissue paper. Glittery and foil wrapping papers can’t be recycled, though. 
• Can you recycle shredded paper? Yes! Shredded paper is paper, and paper is recyclable—but different municipalities have different capabilities. Verify that your local recycling center takes shredded paper before loading it into the bin. And only shred paper that contains sensitive information; recycle the rest.
• Can you recycle cardboard product-packaging boxes? Yes! Most of the boxes that pile up when you buy cereal, shoes, laundry detergent, medicine, cakes, candy—you get the picture—can be recycled. Empty them, break them down so they’re flat, and keep them dry.
• Can you recycle cardboard food containers? Yes! You can recycle takeout and frozen food containers, including ice-cream and egg cartons, as long as they’re empty and clean.
• Can you recycle pizza boxes? Check your local guidelines, but even if there’s a little grease and cheese on them, pizza boxes are made to be recycled. Remove all food first.
• Can you recycle paper bags? Yes! Choosing paper at checkout ensures you can easily recycle your shopping bags.
• Can you recycle magazines? Yes! No need to remove staples or worry about special inks or glossy papers; today’s recycling machinery can handle them.
• Can you recycle paperback books? It depends. Some curbside recycling programs accept paperbacks and even hardcover books as-is, while others require you to remove spines and covers because of the adhesive in the binding. Some ask you to go to a separate recycling facility. Recycling isn’t your only option, though: Book donations are often welcome at thrift shops and libraries.
• Can you recycle newspaper? Yes! In fact, newsprint is usually made from a high proportion of recycled paper. 
• Can you recycle milk cartons? Yes! Remove all liquids before putting them into the recycling bin. You can keep the cap on.
• Can you recycle juice boxes? Yes! Just make sure there’s no juice left before recycling.
• Can you recycle coffee cups? It depends. Check your local guidelines, as paper coffee cups aren’t widely accepted yet, but that’s changing. If you can recycle them, rinse the cups thoroughly before tossing them into the bin.

Read More: Why Is This Recyclable … and What Can’t Be Recycled?

Facts About Recycling Paper

1) Why should you recycle paper products? The natural cellulose fibers that make paper products can generally be used to make new products up to seven times (especially when combined with some fresh fiber).

2) Recycling isn’t the only option. Paper packaging’s durability means that it can be reused. Flatten boxes for easy storage, and you’ll be all set come gift-wrapping time.

3) Quality matters. Don’t forget to flatten boxes. Make sure the items are clean and dry. Crumpled paper goes into the recycling bin. But that magazine you dropped in the bathtub? Sorry—wet paper goes in the garbage. (Try making seed paper with it instead.)