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Can I Recycle Decorative Tissue Paper?

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. That’s where gift bags and decorative tissue paper come in to help make them special. But you may be wondering if decorative tissue paper can be recycled. 

Let’s dive in to find out.

Is Decorative Tissue Paper Recyclable?

Yes! Decorative tissue paper is recyclable by paper mills. Be sure to check your local guidelines before placing it in your recycling bin.

What if My Tissue Paper is Metallic or Has Glitter?

If your tissue paper is metallic, has glitter or other decorative elements, it isn’t recyclable. Try to reuse it if possible. 

When in doubt, throw it out. Wishcycling -- when we put something in the recycling bin hoping it will be recycled -- disrupts the recycling process if it isn’t recyclable.

My Area Doesn’t Accept Tissue Paper, Now What?

We recommend trying to reuse the tissue paper if you can. You can try to reuse it for gift-wrapping or crafts. Check out How Life Unfolds for some ideas! 

Is Decorative Tissue Paper Sustainable?

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Recycling and trash bins on a curb
About 80%
of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper

Yes, decorative tissue paper is sustainable. Paper products are made from trees, which are a renewable resource, and recycled paper.

About 80% of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper fiber to make renewable products like packaging, office paper, newspaper and paper towels.

Even so, the industry is working to improve its sustainability through innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Explore more about the industry’s recycling and sustainability efforts:

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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry’s decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030