Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is an excellent kitchen tool, but it does not belong in your recycling bin. The silicone coating that gives it a non-stick surface makes it impossible to recycle, and baking residue like oil and food grease only adds to the contamination. Fortunately, the packaging itself is highly recyclable. You can toss both the outer cardboard box and the inner cardboard roll straight into your bin, just make sure to pull off the sharp metal tearing strip from the box first. For your next purchase, consider switching to unbleached parchment paper. Conventional bleaching relies on chemicals that generate toxic byproducts, which can remain on the paper and migrate into your meals, so going unbleached is a much healthier choice for both you and the environment.