Paper can be recycled around 5-7 times before the fibers become too short to use. Paper often starts its life as white office paper and works its way downstream to eventually become newspaper or toilet paper. Virtually all types of paper (excluding toilet!) are recyclable.

Water in your single-stream bin is the enemy of paper recycling. Ensure that the rest of the items in your bin are dry do they don't leak all over your paper products. Putting small pieces of paper inside a larger envelope helps ensure that they get recycled. Note that shredded paper should not be recycled in your curbside bin. (See note below.)

Mixed Paper

Most types of paper are easily recycled:

• Office paper
• Cardstock
• Slick junk mail
• Magazines
• Newspaper
• Phone books
• Brown paper
• Chipboard (e.g., cereal boxes)
• Wrapping and tissue paper (without glitter or metallic elements)

Recycle these items:

• in your curbside bin
• at Full Circle Sustainability as part of the "standard recycling" program
• in the mixed paper recycling bin in the parking lot of Checkers in Lawrence

Shredded Paper

Shredded paper is not recyclable in your curbside bin. It is compostable, and some vet clinics may accept it for animal bedding. You can also recycle it as part of the "standard recycling" service at Full Circle Sustainability. If you have paper you need to have shredded, TARC, Inc. will shred and recycle the paper for a small fee. 

Paper Cups

Paper cups (such as to-go coffee cups) unfortunately cannot be recycled in most locations in the U.S. If you try to compost one, you'll notice that it has a plastic coating that does not break down, even as the fibers inside biodegrade. Avoid getting these cups in the first place by keeping extra cups and coffee mugs in your car and at work. If you do acquire one, it can be recycled at Full Circle Sustainability as part of the paid TerraCycle program. 

Receipt Paper

Receipts printed on thermal (usually slick) paper are treated with chemicals and cannot be recycled with regular paper. They can be recycled at Full Circle Sustainability as part of the paid TerraCycle program.