How to recycle wrapping paper

Find a nearby place for wrapping paper

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How to recycle wrapping paper

Reuse good sheets. Plain paper wrap may be recyclable, but shiny, foil-backed and glittered wrap often is not.

Possible recycling routes

Paper and card banksBring banks and recycling pointsHousehold waste recycling centres

Prepare wrapping paper for recycling

• Remove tape, ribbons and bows
• Keep paper clean and dry
• Use the scrunch test only as a rough guide and follow council rules

What must stay out

Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.

• Foil, plastic-coated and glittered wrap is often excluded
• Tissue paper can be too weak for recycling
• Local paper rules decide acceptance

Types of site to check

These site types can list wrapping paper. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.

• Paper and card banks

  Public containers for clean paper and cardboard. Some sites use one mixed container while others keep paper and card separate.

• Bring banks and recycling points

  Small public recycling sites with separate containers for selected materials. They are often in supermarket, council and community car parks.

• Household waste recycling centres

  Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.

Collection and take-back services

These services may offer another route when a local site does not list the item.

• Recycle Now

  UK recycling guidance with an item directory and a postcode-based recycling locator.

Related item guides

• Aluminium foil and trays

  Clean kitchen foil, foil trays and aluminium takeaway containers.

• Cardboard

  Clean corrugated boxes, cereal boxes, card sleeves and other dry household card.

• Paper

  Clean newspapers, magazines, envelopes, office paper, leaflets and paper packaging.

Browse all item guides

Questions about recycling wrapping paper

Where can I recycle wrapping paper?

Enter your postcode in the local finder to search paper and card banks and bring banks and recycling points and household waste recycling centres near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.

How should I prepare wrapping paper for recycling?

Reuse good sheets. Plain paper wrap may be recyclable, but shiny, foil-backed and glittered wrap often is not.