Tissue Paper
What Should I Do With It?
Tissue paper used for gift wrap is typically very thin, making it a poor fit for paper recycling. In fact, it isn't accepted in most curbside recycling programs because its paper fibers are already too short to be processed again. Instead, try saving and reusing clean gift tissue for future presents. However, if the tissue paper was used for household chores or near food, such as wiping up spills or wrapping a greasy pastry, it cannot be reused or recycled. The good news is that as long as it doesn't contain any glitter, plastic, or chemical cleaners, food-soiled tissue paper can go straight into your compost bin, where those short fibers will break down beautifully.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.