Can You Recycle Magazines?

Can You Recycle Magazines?

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 24 April 2026

Yes, magazines, catalogs, and glossy inserts are accepted in all curbside paper recycling. Staples are fine (modern mills remove them). Remove any plastic wrapping first.

Why Magazines Is Easy to Recycle

Magazines are made of paper with a high gloss finish, which is recyclable like other types of paper. The key component that makes magazines easy to recycle is the fact that they're primarily composed of cellulose fibres from trees, mixed with small amounts of clay and chemicals for their glossy appearance.

How to Recycle Magazines Properly

To recycle magazines properly, start by removing any plastic wrap or non-paper inserts. Then, place them in your kerbside recycling bin if you live in the UK, or curbside paper recycling bin if you're in the US. If your local program doesn't accept glossy papers, check with Earth911 (a US-based service) or RecycleNow (UK-based service) for drop-off locations.

Alternatives to Throwing Magazines Away

Before tossing magazines into a recycle bin, consider donating them to libraries, schools, waiting rooms, or community centres. Alternatively, swap them at local book exchanges or online platforms like BookMooch. In the UK, you can also give your unwanted magazines to charity shops such as Oxfam or Shelter.

FAQ

Q: Can I recycle magazines with plastic covers? A: Yes, remove any plastic coverings first and place just the paper part in your kerbside recycling bin.

Q: Are magazines recyclable if they have a glossy finish? A: Absolutely. Magazines are made of cellulose fibres from trees and can be recycled along with other paper products.

Q: What should I do if my local recycling service doesn't accept magazines? A: Look up Earth911 or RecycleNow to find nearby drop-off locations that will take your magazines.

Sources

• WHO
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• European Parliament