Paper

How do I dispose of paper?

Find out how to properly dispose of paper items (and why) by hovering over the images below.

MarBorg Cardboard Recycling

Corrugated Cardboard

Recycling

Must be clean, dry, and free of packing tape/packing materials. Boxes must be flattened.

MarBorg Office/Printer Paper Recycling

Computer & Office Paper

Recycling

Must be clean & dry. Colored paper is OK.

MarBorg Books Recycle

Books

*Require Extra Step Before Recycling*

Only the pages of paperback and hardcover books can be recycled, so please remove the covers and spines before recycling the pages. The covers of paperback and hardcover books are not recyclable, so they need to go in the trash.

MarBorg Paper Bag Recycling

Paper Bags

Recycling

Must be clean & dry.

MarBorg Empty Toilet Paper & Paper Towel Rolls Recycling

Empty Toilet Paper & Paper Towel Rolls

Recycling

Must be clean & dry.

MarBorg Cereal Box Recycling

Cereal Boxes and Other Paper Board

Recycling

Must be empty, clean & dry. Examples include pasta, beer, soda, and tissue boxes, as well as toilet paper and paper towel rolls.

MarBorg Ice Cream Carton Recycle

Ice Cream Cartons

Trash

It is extremely difficult to separate the layers of plastic and paper, rendering this item trash.

MarBorg Cartons Disposal

Milk, Soup, and Juice Cartons

Trash

It is extremely difficult to separate the layers of plastic and paper, rendering this item trash.

MarBorg Paper Napkins Disposal

Napkins & Paper Towels

Trash

These items are so thin, there is not enough paper pulp to be recycled. Try cloth napkins and towels instead, or post-consumer recycled products. Soiled paper will be sorted from the trash and turned into compost at Santa Barbara County’s ReSource Center.

MarBorg Frozen Food Boxes Disposal

Frozen Food Boxes & Other Waxed Cardboard

Trash

Frozen food boxes are lined with wax or a plastic polymer to help preserve and insulate foods. Waxed cardboard is often used to transport produce, seafood, and meat. It is extremely difficult to separate the layers of wax and cardboard, rendering this item trash.

MarBorg Newspaper Disposal

Newspaper

Recycling

Must be clean & dry.

MarBorg Shredded Paper Disposal

Shredded Paper

Recycling

Please try to contain the shreds in a paper bag or small box if possible.

MarBorg Envelope Disposal

Envelopes

Recycling

Envelopes, even those with windows, are allowed in the recycling. Padded envelopes (lined with bubble wrap) are NOT allowed in the recycling and should be placed in the trash.

MarBorg Padded Mailer Disposal

Padded Mailers

Trash

These envelopes are lined with bubble wrap. It is nearly impossible to separate the plastic and paper, rendering this item trash.

[Photo credit: Surv1v4l1st / CC BY-SA]

MarBorg Junk Mail Disposal

Junk Mail

Recycling

Envelopes, even those with windows, are allowed in the recycling. Other examples of junk mail include magazines and coupon clippers. Visit the County of Santa Barbara’s website to learn how to opt out of junk mail.

[Photo credit: “I blame the post office” by Dvortygirl / CC BY-SA]

MarBorg Paper Egg Carton Disposal

Paper Egg Cartons

Recycling

This type of paper is referred to as “molded pulp”. Be sure to remove any egg shells from the carton prior to recycling.

MarBorg Molded Pulp Cup Holder Disposal

Molded Pulp Cup Holders

Recycling

Must be clean & dry. This “molded pulp” is a type of paper.

MarBorg Kraft Packing Paper Disposal

Packing (Kraft) Paper

Recycling

Must be clean & dry.

MarBorg Pizza Box Disposal

Pizza Boxes

Trash

Pizza boxes have historically been contaminated with food and liquid, so they need to go in the trash. Soiled paper will be sorted from the trash and turned into compost at Santa Barbara County’s ReSource Center.

MarBorg Hot Beverage Cup Disposal

Hot Beverage Cups/Lids

Trash

It is extremely difficult to separate the layers of plastic and paper, rendering these items as trash. Reusable cups are the best option.

MarBorg Non-Glittery Wrapping Paper Disposal

Non-Glittery Wrapping Paper

Recycling

Wrapping paper without any glitter can be placed in your recycling container. If it is still in good condition, save it to be reused. Skipping the wrapping paper altogether is the best solution – try wrapping gifts with fabric, or use old newspaper/magazines.

MarBorg Glittery Wrapping Paper Disposal

Glittery/Iridescent Wrapping Paper

Trash

Wrapping paper that has glitter or is iridescent should be placed in the trash if you can not reuse it. Skipping the wrapping paper altogether is the best solution – try wrapping gifts with fabric, or use old newspaper/magazines.

MarBorg Tissue Paper Disposal

Tissue Paper

Trash

Tissue paper is so thin, there is not enough paper pulp to be recycled. Try to reuse tissue paper before throwing it away. Soiled paper will be sorted from the trash and turned into compost at Santa Barbara County’s ReSource Center.