Can you recycle mail envelopes with the plastic window

The plastic window on mail envelopes can make them more challenging to recycle, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you recycle mail envelopes with plastic windows:

  1. Check with your local recycling program: Before you start recycling, check with your local recycling program to see if they accept envelopes with plastic windows. Some programs may have specific guidelines or restrictions on what types of envelopes they can accept.
  2. Remove any plastic inserts: If the envelope has a plastic insert or a plastic backing, remove it before recycling. This will help ensure that the plastic doesn't contaminate the rest of the envelope.
  3. Cut out the plastic window: If the plastic window is removable, cut it out carefully to avoid tearing the envelope. This will help you recycle the envelope without the plastic window.
  4. Recycle the envelope as "mixed paper": Many recycling programs accept envelopes with plastic windows as "mixed paper" or "paper with plastic windows." This means you can recycle the envelope along with other paper products, like newspapers, cardboard, and junk mail.
  5. Consider using a specialized envelope recycling program: Some companies, like Earth911, offer specialized envelope recycling programs that can handle envelopes with plastic windows. You can search online for "envelope recycling" and your city or state to find programs in your area.

Some examples of envelopes with plastic windows that can be recycled include:

However, some envelopes with plastic windows may not be recyclable, such as:

Remember to always follow your local recycling program's guidelines and instructions for recycling envelopes with plastic windows.