Can junk mail go in with newspaper recycling
In most cases, junk mail can be recycled along with newspaper recycling, but it's not always a guarantee. Here's what you need to know:
- Check with your local recycling program: The first step is to check with your local recycling program or municipality to see if they accept junk mail in their newspaper recycling stream. Some programs may have specific guidelines or restrictions on what types of paper products can be recycled together.
- Look for the "mixed paper" or "newspaper" symbol: Check the junk mail for the "mixed paper" or "newspaper" recycling symbol (). If it's present, it's likely that the material can be recycled with newspaper.
- Avoid glossy or coated papers: Junk mail often contains glossy or coated papers, which can't be recycled with newspaper. These types of papers are usually made from different materials and require separate recycling streams.
- Remove plastic inserts and windows: Remove any plastic inserts, such as credit card offers or product samples, as they can't be recycled with paper. Also, remove any plastic windows or inserts that are glued to the paper.
- Shred or flatten: Shred or flatten the junk mail to make it easier to recycle and to prevent any contaminants from affecting the recycling process.
Some examples of junk mail that can usually be recycled with newspaper include:
- Catalogs
- Flyers
- Brochures
- Direct mail pieces
- Credit card offers (without plastic inserts)
However, some examples of junk mail that may not be recyclable with newspaper include:
- Glossy or coated papers (e.g., magazine inserts, catalogs with glossy covers)
- Plastic inserts or windows
- Cardboard inserts or boxes
- Paper with plastic or foil laminates
Remember to always follow your local recycling program's guidelines and best practices to ensure that your recyclables are properly processed and turned into new products.