Wrapping Paper Recycle Curbside Metallic Paper Is Not Recyclable Wrapping paper that is shiny, or contains foil and metallic pieces, cannot be recycled due to the mix of materials. Remove Bows and Ribbons If you’re planning to recycle the wrapping paper, remember to remove all bows and ribbons because they cannot be recycled. Bows and ribbons can be thrown in the trash. No Tissue Paper Tissue paper is made out of recycled paper fibers that are too short to recycle. Find out what to do with tissue paper. Tape Is OK You can recycle wrapping paper that has tape attached to it. It is a small contaminant that does not interfere with the recycling process. Ways to Reduce Choose Recycled Instead of using paper made with virgin fibers, wrap your gifts in newspaper or brown paper with 100 percent recycled content. This reduces waste because you’re reusing the newspaper and not purchasing anything that’s non-recyclable. Use Fabric Instead of paper, try using fabric scraps, unused handkerchiefs, or store canvas bags/totes to wrap your gifts. Check out In Good Taste’s article on furoshiki, the Japanese art of fabric wrapping for ideas and tips. Use Natural Materials for Present Toppers Instead of using plastic bows or ribbons, look outside and use natural materials such as fallen pinecones, pine or boxwood branches, eucalyptus branches, plant cuttings, or dried flowers. Learn how to dry flowers here. Use Glass Jars Use leftover glass food jars or thrifted jars to “wrap” small gifts. Ways to Reuse Save for Next Year Wrapping paper in good condition can be folded neatly and stored for reuse at your next celebration or holiday. Did You Know? Gift Wrapping Waste How much gift wrapping waste do Americans generate on a yearly basis? About two pounds per person, or 40 million pounds in total, which includes paper products used to wrap, package and decorate gifts. A whopping 38 million miles of ribbon is discarded per year, which is enough to wrap around the Earth. How to Wrap Anything Using a Furoshiki