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How to Recycle Magazines
Glossy magazines, catalogs, and other coated-paper publications.
Check local acceptanceLast reviewed September 29, 2026
Quick answer
Yes, magazines are recyclable, and so are catalogs. AF&PA states that the glossy shine comes from a natural clay coating that is fully recyclable, and staples can stay in. Take off any plastic wrap, throw away perfume samples and foil pieces, and put the magazines in curbside paper or mixed recycling. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
How to Prepare
- 1Remove the plastic wrapper and follow your local rule for the film
- 2Pull out perfume samples and foil pieces, which most areas cannot recycle
- 3Leave staples and binding in place, because they come out during pulping
- 4Keep magazines dry
- 5Put them in with your other curbside paper
Where to Recycle
- Curbside recycling
- Recycling centers
- Library collection bins
Special Instructions
The glossy coating does not block recycling. AF&PA says the shine comes from a natural clay coating that is fully recyclable, and mills wash ink out during pulping. Staples and binding can stay on, since they come out at the mill. Take off plastic wrap and scented or foil inserts. Communities set their own rules: NYC collects magazines and catalogs in the same bundle as newspapers and phone books, and Kane County, Illinois asks you to remove plastic sleeves.
Environmental Impact
Magazines recycle with other paper grades. Mills wash the ink out during pulping, and the fiber goes into new paper products.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Pass current issues to friends, waiting rooms, or libraries
- Use pages for crafts and gift wrap
- Cancel subscriptions you no longer read
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Glossy magazines
- Catalogs
- Coated flyers and brochures
- Magazines with staples
Not Accepted
- Plastic mailing wrap
- Perfume and cologne samples
- Foil inserts and pieces
- Wet or moldy magazines
FAQs
Are magazines recyclable?
Yes. Magazines and catalogs are recyclable, and AF&PA says the glossy clay coating is fully recyclable. Put them in curbside paper or mixed recycling.
Can you recycle glossy magazines?
Yes. The shine comes from a natural clay coating that is fully recyclable, so glossy pages recycle like any other paper.
Do I need to remove the staples from a magazine?
No. Leave staples and binding in place, because they are removed during the recycling process.
Should I take the plastic wrap off magazines?
Yes. Remove the plastic wrapper before recycling, and follow your local program's rules for the film. Kane County, Illinois asks residents to remove plastic sleeves from magazines, catalogs, and phone books.
Can catalogs be recycled with magazines?
Yes. Any community that accepts magazines should also accept catalogs and other coated-paper printing. Throw away perfume samples and foil pieces first.
Recycle magazines
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more paper materials.