Tips and recycling centres
What paper can be recycled
Clean paper, newspapers, magazines, junk mail and envelopes, even ones with windows, can be recycled. Greasy, dirty or sticky paper cannot.
Paper that can be recycled
Newspapers, magazines, brochures, junk mail, catalogues, computer paper, envelopes and shredded paper.
Paper that cannot
Paper stained with food, grease, paint or dirt, sticky notes and labels, nappies, cotton wool and make up pads.
Paper is only worth recycling clean
Recycle Now says paper is a valuable material, but only when it is clean.
Key facts
- Binmap lists 363 places that say they take paper, including 231 tips.
- Another 289 places may take paper, but they do not say so. Check before you go.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
Written by Binmap using guidance from Recycle Now.
Advice from national bodies
What to do
- Put shredded paper in an envelope to keep it together.
- Put brown paper in with card, not paper.
Mistakes to avoid
- Tissues, wet wipes, wallpaper and foil gift wrap go in the waste bin.
Kinds of place that take it
- Local recycling sites
- Recycling centres
Guides for similar items
Other kinds of place
Schemes and collection services
Binmap is independent and is not run by any council.