Hello,

Thank you for asking about poly-coated paper. Again whether an item is recyclable or not depends on where you live. Call your recycling service provider and/or city/county agency that contracts with the service provider and ask them about recycling guidelines for your area.

Poly-coated paper in simple terms is plastic coated paper (examples: paper plates/cups with a shiny finish, cardboard with a shiny coating/packaging). Since it is difficult for a recycling company to separate two recyclables from each other (in this case paper and plastic) it makes it very difficult to recycle most poly-coated paper. It often winds up gummy/gooey clump in the pulper at the paper recycling mill. The paper and cardboard are recyclable but the thin sheet of plastic is hard to recycle.

I hope this helps! Thank you for recycling!

Best,
Kim

Label backing paper recycling

Hello to Kathleen who was trying to recycle the "paper" that is on the back of labels (and stickers, etc.). Recycling and composting programs differ in each city, county and state. Since I don't know where you live it is difficult for me to recommend a recycler or composter for you. Call your local City or County Solid Waste and Recycling Utility Department, they may have a great solution for you.

As an FYI that type of material is typically NOT recyclable in the "regular" recycling program, because it really isn't paper and usually doesn't have any fiber content (fiber is needed to make new paper). That material is usually a plastic based product (not waxed) if it was wax you could scratch it and a small ball or piece of wax would appear. If that wax appears contact your local composter and see if they can handle the volume you have. I also still recommend calling your local city/county utility department and see if they can recommend someone that can help you with this material and keep it out of the landfill! Thank you for checking in!