Paper Trash

Sometimes what we call paper is actually mix of paper and something unrecyclable! Don't believe me, take the example of ATM reciepts. The reciepts are called a thermopaper, meaning that they are coated in plastic and some sort of metal or dye that reacts to heat. That means that you don't need an ink to print on them, but it also means that they are not recyclable.

Mixed or Coated Papers

Like the ATM reciepts mentioned above, these papers are mixed with something else and cannot be recycled. The classic example is a "Paper" Juice Box. The box actually has 2 layers of plastic, a layer of metal and a layer of paper. This mixed material is trash, as the different layers are bonded so tightly it makes recycling practically impossible.

• ATM and other waxy feeling reciepts
• Carbon paper
• Waxed cartons, paper milk cartons and juice cartons
• Waxed boxes and some frozen food boxes

Food or Liquid Contaminated Papers

Paper products that are made to come into contact with food or liquid are generally not recyclable. This is because they either have a coating of plastic (like the Juice Boxes mentioned above) or because the food itself contaminates the product. Examples include:

• Paper towels, tissues, toilet paper,
• Paper plates and dirty pizza boxes
• Paper cups including coffee cups

Do I really need to trash these? Won't they get recycled?

These papers should be treated as trash, because they contaminate other recyclable types of paper. One greasy plate or plastic coated product can contaminate a whole stack of office paper. Keep it out, and it will keep the recycling programs healthy.

Don't get discouraged, check out the related materials for all sorts of paper that CAN be recycled!

Where to go

• Santa Barbara Area (1)

  • *South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station — 4430 Calle Real