Wrapping Paper & Gift Wrap
Most wrapping paper isn't recyclable curbside because of the dyes, glitter, foil, or plastic-like coating and lamination most gift wrap is printed with, per the EPA. Plain, non-metallic, non-glittery paper (the kind that tears easily and doesn't stay crumpled) is accepted curbside in some cities, but not all, check your own program. Ribbons, bows, and gift bags aren't recyclable either, reuse them instead.
Curbside recycling?
Varies by location
Varies significantly by city. Plain, non-metallic, non-glittery paper is accepted curbside in some programs (Los Angeles's official holiday guidance names it explicitly); foil, metallic, glittery, or laminated wrap is excluded everywhere and some cities (like Houston, which excludes decorative and foil-coated paper from its curbside paper stream) don't accept any wrapping paper curbside. When unsure, the safer default is trash.
How to prepare it
- Do the scrunch test: if the paper stays crumpled in a ball, it's likely recyclable; if it springs back open, it likely has a plastic-like coating and isn't
- Remove all tape, ribbon, bows, and gift tags before recycling
- Keep foil, metallic, and glittery wrap out of recycling entirely, it goes in the trash
Common fees
Not confirmed
Quantity limits
Not confirmed
Residency restrictions
Not confirmed
Appointment required?
Not confirmed
Recycling locations
Showing locations in our covered metros. Choose a metro to see only the locations there.
0 locations in covered metros
No listed locations for this item yet
Try another covered metro, check the take-back programs above, or use the city’s official recycling program while we expand verified coverage.
Related items
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I recycle wrapping paper & gift wrap?
- Most wrapping paper isn't recyclable curbside because of the dyes, glitter, foil, or plastic-like coating and lamination most gift wrap is printed with, per the EPA. Plain, non-metallic, non-glittery paper (the kind that tears easily and doesn't stay crumpled) is accepted curbside in some cities, but not all, check your own program. Ribbons, bows, and gift bags aren't recyclable either, reuse them instead.
- Can wrapping paper & gift wrap go in curbside recycling?
- Varies significantly by city. Plain, non-metallic, non-glittery paper is accepted curbside in some programs (Los Angeles's official holiday guidance names it explicitly); foil, metallic, glittery, or laminated wrap is excluded everywhere and some cities (like Houston, which excludes decorative and foil-coated paper from its curbside paper stream) don't accept any wrapping paper curbside. When unsure, the safer default is trash.
Sources
Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.
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