The city of Seattle prohibits recyclable paper and cardboard in the garbage.
What is acceptable
- Mixed paper
- Office paper
- Newspaper and newsprint
- Sticky notes
- Envelopes (plastic and stickers removed)
- Magazines
- Softbound books and journals, small volumes
- File folders
- Hanging file folders (metal or plastic parts removed)
- Box board and tablet backs
- Card stock
- Small pieces of flattened cardboard
-
Spiral bound notebooks (metal or plastic parts removed)
Staples, small paper clips, and small amounts of tape are permitted. Remove all large paper clips.
- Items that aren't paper or cardboard
- Confidential paper
- Shredded paper
- Food-soiled paper and cardboard
Padded envelopes/mailers
Example of a padded paper envelope
- Insulation made from plant fibers (brand example: Chill-R)
- Label backing sheets
- Transparencies
- Three-ring binders
- Hardbound books
- Photographs
- Paper with plastic coating (to test for plastic coating, tear the item; plastic film is usually visible along the tear)
Waste reduction tips
- Opt in for paperless billing and notifications when possible.
- Take notes electronically.
- Print on both sides of all paper to reduce your use.
- Create a scratch paper pile of used paper to help reduce new paper use.
- In the workplace, transition from paper documentation to digital documentation. UW Records Management has resources to help offices make the change.
Visit UW Sustainability's tips on paper waste reduction.