How to Recycle Envelopes

Recycle any color envelope.

Recycle envelopes, used or new. Recycle the envelopes with other paper products. Only recycle the paper or thin cardboard envelopes. Throw out ones made out of vinyl, plastic or lined with bubble wrap. The size does not matter. The stamps, windows and other nonpaper materials need to be removed because they can hinder the recycling process. The windows are the clear plastic pieces on envelopes that usually display an address. Once all of that is gone, it's just a piece of folded paper.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Trash bag
• Cardboard box

Instructions

1. Cut the stamps, clasps and labels off of the envelopes. Cut off the glue strip. Tear out plastic windows and metal prongs. Dispose of the waste in a trash bag.

2. Place the envelopes into a cardboard box. Close the box once it is full.

3. Take the box to a paper recycling center or paper recycling drop off. Empty the contents of the box in the correct bin. Either recycle the box or take it with you.

References

• How Can I Recycle This: How Can I Reuse or Recycle Used Envelopes