How to Recycle Waxy Paper

Wax paper makes baking easy.

Waxy paper is a popular kitchen item. Cooks can use wax paper as a non-stick surface for baking, or for wrapping sandwiches or other food items for picnics. Though it is a paper item, local recycling centers will not accept wax paper for general recycling. The petroleum-based wax that coats the sheets makes waxy paper unrecyclable. There are steps you can take to recycle the paper in your own home.

Things You'll Need

• Damp cloth
• Flower
• Stack of heavy books
• Hole punch
• 3 ring binder
• Stickers

Instructions

1. Dampen the edge of a clean cloth and wipe down the wax paper, then dry it with the dry side of the cloth. If you have only used the paper for cooking, you can reuse it in the same way. Line baking sheets with it, or wrap fish or other meats you want to steam in the oven with it.

2. Wipe down the waxy paper with a clean cloth. Fold the paper in half and insert a leaf or flower you want to preserve. Lay the sandwiched flower under a stack of heavy books for two weeks. Use the pressed flower for decoration, or glue the edges of the waxed paper down to make a bookmark.

3. Use a hole punch to punch three holes in the side of the piece of waxy paper, then put it in a three-ring binder. Give the binder to a child along with some stickers and let them start a book of sticker designs.

4. Use the pieces of waxy paper to pick up things you don't want to touch and will be discarding. Use them to handle pieces of food scraps, pet waste, diapers, or any other dirty object.

References

• Grist: Ask Umbra, Question 2
• Metro Region: Please Do Not Include These
• Earth911: Recycling Wax Paper
• Planet Green: Reuse Your Cereal Box Liner