Paper, card and cartons

Can I recycle window envelopes?

Yes. You don’t need to remove the windows from envelopes before recycling, just put them in your recycling bin.

Can I recycle padded envelopes?

Unfortunately these cannot go in your recycling bin because the lining means they are not suitable to be recycled. Please reuse them where possible or dispose in your general waste bin. 

Can I recycle wrapping paper? 

Not all wrapping paper can be recycled as it may contain plastic, foil or glitter. If you are unsure, try the simple ‘scrunch’ test – if it can be crumpled into a ball it can be recycled. If it tries to spring back into shape then it cannot be recycled and should go in your general waste bin. 

What should I do with shredded paper? 

If you want to recycle it take it to a paper recycling bank. Shredded paper causes problems with the sorting machinery at our Materials Recovery Facility and won't be recycled through this route. 

Did you know that shredded paper can be added to your home compost bin? It's also suitable as a bedding material for some animals. 

Can I recycle cardboard takeaway containers? (pizza boxes, chip wrappers, burger packaging etc) 

No. Takeaway containers made from cardboard cannot be recycled as they can be greasy and contain food waste which can spoil other recycling items. However, clean plastic or foil food trays can be placed in your recycling bin but please place any card lids from these containers in your general waste bin. 

Can tissues and kitchen roll go in the recycling bin? 

No. They may be wet or contain food waste and need to be disposed of in the general waste bin. The paper fibres of even dry, clean tissues or kitchen roll are very short and poor quality and are not suitable for recycling. 

Can I recycle Tetra Pak and drinks cartons in my recycling bin? 

Yes, Tetra Pak and drinks cartons can now be recycled in your recycling bin, just rinse, dry and replace the lid. 

Can I recycle wallpaper? 

No. Wallpaper usually contains fungicides and cannot be recycled. It can also tangle around the sorting machinery at the Materials Recovery Facility. 

What should I do with parcel tape on cardboard packaging? 

Please remove it from boxes and parcels before placing them in your recycling bin. Dispose of the tape in your waste bin. 

Can I recycle large cardboard boxes? 

Yes, but large cardboard boxes should be flattened, and polystyrene or plastic packaging should be removed before the cardboard box is placed into the recycling bin. The packaging material should either be reused or placed in your general waste bin. 

Can compostable packaging be recycled in Nottinghamshire? 

The recyclability of these new packaging materials haven’t yet been fully tested, please do not put them in your garden waste / recycling bin, put them in your general waste bin. 

Can books go in the recycling bin? 

Paperback books can go into the recycling bin, hardback books would need to have the covers removed. Why not donate used books that are in good condition to charity shops, local community groups or schools?

Can junk mail go in the recycling bin? 

Yes, any paper junk mail can go into the recycling bin, but please ensure that any plastic bags / packaging are removed. To reduce the amount of junk mail you receive sign up to the Mail Preference Service.