How to Recycle Magazine Paper

Most magazines can be recycled as mixed paper

Recycling magazine paper can be a mystery for some individuals, because it is not clearly identified as a recyclable material by some companies. However, most magazines can be recycled once properly prepared. Always check with the company that handles your recycling to ensure that you are complying with its specific recycling requirements.

Instructions

1. Make sure that the magazine is clean and dry. There should be no food or other material stuck to the paper, because this will make it unfit for recycling.

2. Remove any plastic wrap from the outside of the magazine, because this should be recycled as plastic and not mixed paper.

3. Remove and discard any product samples from the inside of the magazine. These samples cannot be recycled if there is a substance inside, so use the sample or pass it along to someone else to use. Many homeless shelters accept travel-sized or sample-sized product samples as donations.

4. Remove any cardboard registration cards or paper subscription letters from the outside or inside of the magazine. These items can also be placed in a mixed paper recycle bin.

5. Place the magazine in a mixed paper recycle bin. If you do not have a mixed paper recycle bin, check with your local recycling agency to find which bin it prefers for mixed paper items.

References

• Obvious Implementations Corporation: The Consumer Recycling Guide – Commonly recycled materials