How to Deal With Excess Wrapping Paper

By Dan Gould, Networx

After Christmas morning has come and the presents have been torn into, there always comes the inevitable wrapping paper fall out. Bulging garbage bags filled with paper and ribbons replace the pile of gifts and a trip to the landfill is usually the fate which awaits them.

There is always aunt Susie or the other frugal few who carefully unwrap their gifts as not to mess up the paper and save it for reuse, but let’s be honest — that’s very rare.

Can You Recycle it?

The good news is that, yes, some kinds of wrapping paper can be recycled. Beside the cheap, super-thin kind and ornate papers covered in foils, glitter and the like, there is a good chance that it can be converted into useful products again.

Many municipal recycling programs will gladly take in wrapping paper. For example, New York City will accept it as part of the “mixed paper” category with the only stipulation being that it can’t be coated in plastic or wax. Check with your local recycling center to find out if they do the same.

If You Can’t Recycle It

Here are a few things to do with your used wrapping paper that are pretty utilitarian and don’t involve arts & crafts projects:

The New York Department of Conservation recommends shredding wrapping paper to use as “filler” in boxes instead of tissue paper. You could also simply crumple your used wrapping paper to use instead of bubble wrap or packing peanuts when packing fragile objects in boxes.
Save it and wrap gifts with it next year. If you are concerned about wrinkles, you can gently iron them out.
Cut it up and use the back as scrap paper.

Preventing the Annual Avalanche of Wrapping Paper

Use wrapping paper or holiday cards made from recycled materials: This is the easiest way to help divert packaging material from ending up as landfill fodder and prevents virgin paper from entering the waste stream.

Wrap presents in everyday paper: The colorful Sunday comics section and even regular newspaper is totally functional (and distinctive) as gift wrap. Plain brown butcher or kraft paper is another understated option which is also easier to recycle than traditional gift wrap.

Reusable containers: Gift bags and boxes can be nearly endlessly reused, and it also saves time as well. Giving gifts in useful objects like mason jars also provides a bonus for the recipient, as they can be used in a myriad of ways beyond the holidays. You may also want to consider the traditional Japanese “furoshiki” cloth wrapping material.

Give minimalist gifts: Event tickets and gift certificates are always appreciated and require a minimum of packaging. It’s a win-win situation.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kristina C.

1:29PM PST on Jan 9, 2012

Thank you for the story. We have been using brown paper for presents and add re-usable bows, buttons, cutouts, ornaments etc. - It's fun and much more personal.

send a green star

Natalie S.

5:06AM PST on Jan 2, 2012

I particularly appreciated the suggestion to recycle the gift wrapping as 'filler'or instead of bubble wrap. In our household most of the gift wrapping is carefully removed and wound on an empty foil roll until such time as it may be reused. However, some cheaper varieties of wrapping paper or paper used on oddly shaped gifts would end up being thrown away because they tear up easily and this suggestion is a very valid one. Thanks for sharing it!

Mandi A.

12:46PM PST on Jan 1, 2012

Thanks

Roberta Z.

10:10AM PST on Jan 1, 2012

I've wrapped presents in the comics section before and then it can be recycled with the rest of the newspapers. I love the gift bags to. You can always stick another gift in it with a new tag and pass it on.

Vicky P.

3:36PM PST on Dec 30, 2011

nice

Sh C.

12:27PM PST on Dec 29, 2011

great ideas

Miss M.

7:30AM PST on Dec 28, 2011

I love the idea of using the cloth and cloth bags to wrap gifts!

Nyack C.

11:56PM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Shredding and reusing is a wonderful idea

Philyna G.

5:45PM PST on Dec 27, 2011

I like this idea so much - "shredding wrapping paper to use as “filler” in boxes instead of tissue paper"
Nice! I'm going to try that (:

Lori B.

5:42PM PST on Dec 27, 2011

We are eBay power sellers and always reuse our packing material, or any paper that comes into the house. I have HUGE bags filled with "peanuts", paper, "air bags" and whatever can protect fragile items through the mail. I just ball it up and stuff it in those boxes or I have thrown stacks of paper through large paper shredders :) Never throw out packing material you can use it over and over again. We also collect it and bring it home from my husbands work. They would just throw it in huge dumpsters.