Can You Recycle Newspapers?
Last updated: 24 April 2026
Can You Recycle Newspapers?
Last reviewed by James Hartley on 24 April 2026
Yes, newspapers are one of the most commonly recycled paper grades. Bundle loose pages, keep dry, and avoid mixing with magazines in some programs. As of 2021, the US recycling rate for newsprint was 67%, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.
Why Newspapers Is Easy to Recycle
Newspapers are made primarily from wood pulp, which is easily broken down during the recycling process. The fibres in newspaper paper are relatively short and can be processed efficiently into new paper products like toilet paper or cardboard. This makes newspapers a valuable material for recycling centres due to their high yield and low processing costs.How to Recycle Newspapers Properly
To recycle newspapers properly, start by removing any plastic wrap or inserts that may come with your local newspaper. Keep the papers dry and bundle them loosely so air can circulate inside the bundle. In many US cities, you can leave bundled newspapers out for kerbside collection on designated recycling days. For instance, Waste Management offers curbside pickup in several U.S. areas. If curbside services aren't available, consider dropping off your papers at a local community centre or a dedicated drop-off site like those run by the Keep America Beautiful program.Alternatives to Throwing Newspapers Away
Before recycling newspapers, think about reusing them for practical purposes around your home. Use old newspaper pages as wrapping paper, packing material when shipping items, or even as fire starters in wood stoves and fireplaces. In the UK, you can donate newspapers to organisations like ShelterBox, which collects used papers and other supplies for disaster relief efforts.FAQ
Q: Can I recycle glossy magazines with my newspapers? A: No, most recycling programmes require that you separate glossy magazines from newspapers due to their different paper types. Glossy magazines should go into a separate bin or be recycled through specific drop-off centres designed for them.
Q: How do I find local newspaper recycling services? A: Check your city's official website or contact your local waste management authority to inquire about kerbside pickup schedules and collection points for newspapers. Alternatively, websites like Earth911 provide searchable databases of recycling facilities by zip code or post code in the UK.
Q: Are there any financial incentives for newspaper recycling? A: While direct monetary rewards are rare, many cities offer reduced waste management fees to households that actively participate in paper recycling programmes. Additionally, some community-based initiatives reward residents with discounts on utility bills or other services based on their recycling efforts.
According to the US EPA, recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,657 us homes in a year.
Sources
- US EPA
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
- Consumer Technology Association
Frequently Asked Questions
Is newspapers accepted in curbside recycling?
Yes, newspapers are one of the most commonly recycled paper grades. Bundle loose pages, keep dry, and avoid mixing with magazines in some programs. 67% US recycling rate.
What happens to newspapers when it's recycled?
Newspapers goes through sorting and processing at specialist facilities.
Can I put newspapers in my household recycling bin?
Check your local council or waste hauler's guidelines for newspapers, as acceptance varies by area.