Almost 10 years ago, the EPA reported that 25% more waste was generated between Thanksgiving and January 1st. If you consider the increase in online shopping, it’s likely much higher.

When you buy gifts in stores or online, wrap them, and give gifts during the holidays, the amount of trash sharply increases. Protect the environment by recycling as much as possible. It’s also important to choose materials that are easy to recycle.

Shop Wisely and Reduce Waste

Not every wrapping paper option is recyclable. Start by choosing recyclable wrapping supplies. While they may be priced slightly more than paper you can’t recycle, limiting waste needs to be a priority. There are also ways to make it affordable.

An environmentally-friendly gift wrapping and packaging supply kit should include:

• Cotton or compostable ribbon

• Craft paper

• Dissolvable tape

• Food-safe dyes

• Paper gift bags with twisted paper handles

Recyclable vs. Non-Recyclable Wrapping Paper

Most recycling facilities refuse to accept metallic wrapping paper. Don’t place paper in the recycling bin in hopes of recycling it. If you have any uncertainty, it’s better to throw it out or reuse it for something else. Scrapbooking is a good way to use up wrapping paper that can’t be recycled.

Perform the “Scrunch Test.”

In this test, you crumple up the wrapping paper. If it stays crumpled, it’s okay to recycle it. If not, it contains some plastic and should go into the trash.

Paper that’s recyclable tends to include:

• Craft paper

• Newsprint

• Non-glossy colored paper, like construction paper

• Paper bags

Paper that’s metallic, glittery, or made from foil isn’t recyclable. It’s also hard to recycle paper that’s heavily dyed or coated with a laminate coating for durability and shine.

See if any area schools or daycares can use non-recyclable gift wrap. When a class project requires cutting up paper to make new things, such as book covers or artwork, many teachers welcome donations.

Recyclable vs. Non-Recyclable Gift Bags

Gift bags follow the same recycling guidelines as gift wrap. If they’re glittery, shiny, or coated in vinyl or plastic, they’re difficult to recycle. If they’re simple paper bags, remove the handles and recycle the bags with paper and cardboard recycling.

Colored paper within a gift bag is often recycled along with the bag. Again, make sure it’s not glossy or glittery.

Handles on a gift bag might be plastic, twisted paper, or a fiber, such as jute. Compost cotton or jute handles. Twisted paper handles can stay attached to the bag.

Plastic handles may be recyclable, but it’s crucial to find out what type of plastic they are made of. See if your local facility accepts that plastic. Don’t leave the handles on, as they jam recycling equipment.

Recyclable vs. Non-Recyclable Bows and Ribbons

You don’t have to skip the decorative bows or ribbons. Purchase cotton or compostable ribbon and use that. If you use cotton ribbons, collect them for reuse. Place compostable ribbon in your compost pile or community compost bins.

Plastic ribbons and bows need to be thrown away. They degrade the quality of paper pulp and can catch on rollers and other sorting equipment.

You might not have a use for ribbon outside of the holiday. Donate them to a local crafter. Check with the assisted living communities in the area. Residents may love to sew or quilt, but lack the funds to purchase ribbons for their projects.

Recyclable vs. Non-Recyclable Sticky Tape

Tape contains plastic, so it cannot be recycled. It’s sticky and can catch on the equipment, causing clogs. If it makes it through, the plastic tape impacts the quality of the paper pulp. It’s better to tear off any sections covered in tape and recycle the rest.

When you’re wrapping gifts, avoid using plastic-based tape. Paper-based tape or dissolvable tape are better options for recycling.

Tips for Gifting Responsibly

Do you need to wrap each gift? Fabric “Santa”-style sacks are a possibility. Put all the gifts into this type of bag, placing the heaviest items at the bottom. When your child, friend, or family member opens the bag, each layer of presents leads to another surprise. Save the bag for next year.

Consider buying a roll of brown craft paper from a local craft store. A quick online search shows you can find 20-foot rolls for under $10. Your nearby dollar store might have it in the craft aisle.

Wrap your presents in craft paper. If you prefer decorated wrapping paper, use a food-safe dye diluted with a bit of water to paint holiday pictures or phrases on the paper. You can use stamps, too.

Let that section dry before wrapping the present. You have homemade, recyclable wrapping paper. Don’t use too much dye, as excess dye can interfere with the recycling process.

Do you have presents that come in shipping boxes? Instead of wrapping a gift, put it in the box and give it that way. It’s the thought and the gift that matter most, not the wrapping. Cardboard boxes are easily recycled after the holiday.

Use as little tape as possible. If you use a cotton ribbon or compostable ribbon, skip the tape entirely. Use your ribbon to secure all four sides. When the recipient unties the ribbon, the paper opens and is easy to remove and either recycle or reuse.

After unwrapping presents, save any plastic film from inside the gifts you’ve given. Your child’s toy robot came wrapped in clear packaging within the box, save that. Clear plastic film is easily recycled in specialty bins found in many grocery stores and recycling facilities.

Know Where to Go

Knowing where to recycle your items is essential. While paper, cardboard, and plastic jars and containers are often recycled in curbside containers, items like cotton ribbon and compostable materials are handled differently.

Recycle Nation offers a guide to help you determine where to bring items. Enter the item and ZIP code into the boxes, then use the search results to choose where to go. Call your nearest facility to see if they can take shiny or metallic wrapping paper. It’s unlikely, but some accept them.

If you have doubts, a trip to a recycling facility often gives you the answers you need. Our search results provide driving directions and hours, making it easy to visit your nearest recycling depot. Employees help you understand what you can recycle and what you can’t. Anything that isn’t accepted is worth saving for next year or donating to someone who can use them.