Recycling info for: Paper - Non-recyclable Curbside - Integrated Waste Management - Anoka County, MN
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Paper - Non-recyclable Curbside
See locations for this item (below)

There are many paper items that are recyclable.  However, there are also paper items that are not recyclable at the curb.

Egg cartons – Egg carton fibers are so short that they are not suitable for making new paper products.  However, egg cartons have been manufactured using recyclable paper and make useful craft items.

Gift wrap – This type of paper is not recyclable because it is often printed with too much colored or metallic ink.  These inks contaminate the batch of new paper pulp and greatly increase the amount of “bleaching agent” necessary to whiten the pulp to produce new paper.

Pizza boxes and food soiled paper (such as paper towels, napkins, cups and plates) – Foil, grease, paint, plastic, and/or oil on food boxes or paper are considered contaminates in the paper-making process.  These contaminants will show up as a defect or “oily” spot on newly formed paper.  These spots will not print or glue properly or may cause the paper to be stained.  When these non-paper materials become part of the new paper, the new paper is rejected and will end up as garbage.

Wet-strength, poly/wax coated paper – The types of items include pop carriers and boxes for food items stored in the freezer.  These items are not recyclable because they are coated with wet-strength chemicals, poly or waxes, which do not break down at the same rate as non-coated paper.  Wet-strength and poly/wax coated papers are removed in the paper-making process as waste.  If, however, the materials recovery facility (MRF) separates these items from other paper and markets them separately they may be recycled.  However, this is not commonly done in the metropolitan area at this time.

Be sure you know exactly what your recycling program accepts before saving materials for collection. See our Residential Recycling Opportunities  page for more information on your municipality.

Locations for: Paper - Non-recyclable Curbside  

Anoka County staff obtained information for this resource by researching various directories, along with telephone verification. It is not an endorsement of the businesses listed, nor does it imply that the businesses are in compliance with applicable laws. Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional. For additional listings, we recommend the local telephone directory. ALWAYS CALL FIRST TO VERIFY INFORMATION BECAUSE POLICIES FREQUENTLY CHANGE.
 
This resource is intended for households only. The information does not pertain to wastes from businesses or organizations.

 
For more information about a location, including a list of all materials accepted at the location, click on the name.
 

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NameLocation & Contact Info
Municipal Drop-off Center(s)
 
About this item and this location: Items accepted at Municipal Drop-off Centers differ by municipality. For a detailed list of items accepted, click on the link for your municipal recycling detail sheet under Residential Recycling Opportunities.