11 Types Of Paper That Cannot Be Recycled

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What paper cannot be recycled?

Keep reading to find out more about why these paper types cannot be recycled, better alternatives to each product & a FAQ section.

11 Types Of Paper That Cannot Be Recycled:

1. Napkins and tissues

Used tissues, napkins, wipes, kitchen rolls, and sanitary towels are not recyclable because they’re often contaminated with food, grease, or bodily fluids.

Also, these papers typically have very short fibers, which means they cannot be recycled into new paper effectively.

Even if they appear clean, most recycling centers won’t accept them. Instead, compost them if possible.

Better alternative: Use reusable cloths and towels instead of disposable ones.

If you want to learn more about how exactly the paper is recycled, you can check my article, which covers the 10 steps of recycling paper.

2. Toilet paper 

Toilet paper itself cannot be recycled, even if unused, because its fibers are too short for recycling. However, the cardboard tube inside is recyclable.

We cut thousands of trees yearly for toilet paper, just to flush it down the drain. Reducing toilet paper use can save trees and reduce waste.

Better alternative:

• Use 100% recycled toilet paper or bamboo toilet paper.
• Consider reusable cloth wipes for some cleaning tasks.

3. Paper towels

Similar to tissues and toilet paper, paper towels are not recyclable because of short fibers and contamination with liquids and food residues. Tossing them in the recycling bin can contaminate entire batches.

Better alternative: Compost used paper towels or switch to reusable cloths and sponges.

4. Waxed paper

Waxed paper is coated with wax (usually paraffin or vegetable wax), making it non-recyclable. The wax prevents the fibers from being separated during recycling.

Better alternatives:

• Reuse waxed paper if it’s clean.
• Compost waxed paper coated with organic wax.
• Switch to reusable wax wraps made from cotton and beeswax.

5. Receipts (Thermal paper)

Most receipts are printed on thermal paper coated with BPA or other chemicals that resist recycling and composting. These chemicals can contaminate recycling batches.

Better alternatives:

• Opt for digital receipts whenever possible.
• Try to shop less often and buy more things at once.
• Ask local recycling centers about their policy on receipts.

Related post: Can You Recycle Receipts? (problems + solutions)

6. Shredded paper 

Shredding shortens paper fibers, making them less recyclable. Loose shredded paper also tends to fall through recycling sorting machinery, often ending up in a landfill.

Better alternatives:

• Compost shredded paper if you have a compost bin.
• Keep shredded paper contained in a bag and check with your local recycling facility if they accept it.
• Reduce the amount of paper with confidential information. Most banks and other financial services offer online statements instead of paper ones.

7. Sticky paper or stickers

Paper with adhesive labels or stickers is usually not recyclable because adhesives can gum up recycling machines. This is why most recycling plants refuse to accept stickers as a recycling product. 

8. Paper coated with plastic

Paper coated with plastic or aluminum (like takeaway coffee cups or some food wrappers) is very difficult to recycle. Many recycling plants do not accept it because separating the plastic is complex and costly.

Better alternatives:

• Use reusable containers and cups.
• Choose packaging made of glass, aluminum, or uncoated paper.
• Check recycling codes: Paper-only codes are 20-22 PAP; plastic-coated paper has PAPPET codes.

9. Wrapping gift paper

Many gift wraps contain foil, glitter, plastic coatings, or adhesives, making them non-recyclable. The scrunch test helps: if the paper stays scrunched, it’s probably recyclable paper; if it springs back, it’s likely plastic-coated.

Better alternatives:

• Use fabric wraps (furoshiki) or reusable gift bags.
• Avoid tape and decorations that contaminate recycling.

10. Milk or juice cartons

These cartons are mostly paper but contain plastic and aluminum layers. Whether they can be recycled depends on local facilities and carton type (shelf-stable vs refrigerated).

Additionally, specific municipal recycling programs do not accept plastic/paper hybrid cartons, so it’s best to check your local recycling or waste disposal service for recycling guidelines. 

Better alternatives:

• Rinse and dispose in the plastic/metal bin if accepted.
• Prefer products packaged in glass or aluminum.

11. Pizza boxes

Clean pizza boxes are recyclable, but those stained with grease and food cannot be recycled because oil contaminates the paper fibers, ruining recycling batches.

That’s because when the paper is recycled, it is mixed with water. So adding any oil to the mix essentially contaminates and ruins the whole batch.

Better alternative: Compost the greasy parts and recycle the clean portions.

Related post: When Can You Recycle Pizza Boxes?

What paper cannot be recycled – FAQ:

Can you recycle paper with paint on it?
No, paper with paint on it cannot be recycled because the wet paint damages fibers and contaminates the recycling process.

Can you recycle paper with a pencil on it?
Yes, paper with pencil on it is recyclable since pencil marks don’t affect the recycling process.

Can you recycle paper with ink on it?
Yes, printed or inked paper is recyclable as long as it’s not heavily coated or contaminated.

Can crepe paper be recycled?
Most crepe paper is not recyclable because of dyes, coatings, or fiber type, though it varies by local programs. Check your local recycling guidelines.

Can you recycle tracing paper?
Tracing paper is usually not recyclable because it’s coated to be translucent, which interferes with fiber recovery.

Can you recycle shiny or glossy paper?
Glossy magazines and flyers can be recycled if they do not have a plastic coating and tear easily.

Can wet paper be recycled?
Wet paper is harder to recycle because moisture weakens fibers and clogs machinery; avoid recycling damp paper.

Can I recycle brown paper bags?
Yes, but only if they are not contaminated with food or coated with a second layer. For example, if you can see a glossy coating, it may be from plastic; therefore, you can’t recycle it.

Conclusion 

Recycling is tricky, and most times, what paper cannot be recycled depends pretty much on your local recycling plant.

Different recycling facilities have different capabilities, and some plants may have more specialized equipment and sorting techniques than others.

If you are not sure about something, try to do an online search and make a phone call to your local recycling plant. 

Learn more about the 10 steps of recycling paper to understand even better why some things aren’t suitable for recycling.