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How to Recycle Junk Mail
Unwanted advertising mail, catalogs, and promotional materials - part of the roughly 23% of US solid waste that's mail-related paper.
Check local acceptanceLast reviewed July 30, 2026
Quick answer
Yes, most junk mail, flyers, and envelopes are recyclable, including ones with a plastic address window - you don't need to pick it out, since most paper mills filter it out during pulping. Keep everything dry, pull out any loose plastic samples or product inserts, and put it in curbside paper recycling; opting out of mailing lists cuts down the waste at the source. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
How to Prepare
- 1Leave a glued-in plastic address window in place - most paper mills filter it out during pulping
- 2Remove loose plastic samples, product inserts, or attachments, which are a separate issue from a window
- 3Bundle with other curbside paper
- 4Opt out of mailing lists to reduce future junk mail volume
Where to Recycle
- Curbside recycling
- Recycling centers
Special Instructions
You don't need to cut the plastic window out of an envelope before recycling it - most paper mills filter the plastic out during pulping. Loose plastic samples or inserts tucked inside the mail are different and should still be pulled out before recycling.
Environmental Impact
Recycling junk mail saves trees and landfill space; mail-related paper makes up an estimated 23% of US solid waste.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Opt out via services like OptOutPrescreen.com, DMAchoice.org, or CatalogChoice.org
- Contact companies directly to be removed from mailing lists
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
FAQs
Do I need to cut the plastic window out of an envelope before recycling it?
No. Removing it helps but isn't necessary - most paper recycling facilities filter the plastic out during the pulping process. Loose plastic samples or inserts included with the mail are a different matter and should still come out.
Is all junk mail recyclable?
Most of it - flyers, catalogs, ads, and envelopes (windowed or not) are all recyclable as mixed paper. Loose plastic samples, small toys, or non-paper promotional items included with the mail should be pulled out and disposed of separately.
Related recycling guides
Recycle junk mail
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