How to Recycle Office Paper
White and colored office paper, documents, and computer paper - one of the higher-value grades in the paper recycling stream.
Quick answer
Yes, printer and office paper is high-grade fiber mills want. Recycle it curbside without pulling out staples or paper clips - sorting equipment screens them out - and shred only documents with sensitive information, since shredding lowers the paper's value to mills. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
How to Prepare
- 1Staples, paper clips, and small binder clips don't need to be removed - screening equipment catches them during processing
- 2Shred only documents that contain sensitive information; shredding turns high-value paper into a lower-value, harder-to-process material
- 3Remove plastic covers, spiral bindings, and sticky notes before recycling
- 4Keep different paper grades separate only if your local program asks for it
Where to Recycle
- Office recycling programs
- Curbside recycling
- Recycling centers
- Shredding services
Environmental Impact
High-quality paper that recycles into new office paper, maintaining fiber quality better than mixed lower grades.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
Recycle office paper
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more paper materials.