Can You Recycle Wrapping Paper?
It depends
Plain paper yes — foil, glitter, and plastic no
Why
Simple paper gift wrap recycles fine. Metallic, glittered, velvet, or plastic-coated wrap contaminates paper loads and must be trashed.
How to dispose of wrapping paper
- Do the scrunch test: if it stays balled up, it is paper — recycle it
- If it springs back open, it has plastic or foil — trash it
- Anything with glitter goes in the trash
- Remove ribbons, bows, and tape first
Greener option
Kraft paper, gift bags, and fabric wraps are reusable year after year.
♻️ 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.