Can You Recycle Envelopes?
Yes
Yes — even with plastic windows
Why
Paper mills screen out the small plastic window during pulping, so windowed envelopes are fine. Padded envelopes are the exception.
How to dispose of envelopes
- Recycle paper envelopes, windows and all
- Bubble-lined (padded) mailers: trash, or take plastic ones to film drop-off
- Paper-padded mailers labeled recyclable can go in the bin
Greener option
Used envelopes make perfectly good scratch paper and shopping lists.
♻️ Recycling rules vary by city and hauler — when in doubt, check your local program. You can look up your area on our trash & recycling schedules page.