Paper

Corrugated Cardboard

Recycling

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

Computer and Office Paper

Recycling

Must be clean & dry. Colored paper is OK.

Books

*Requires 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.

Paper Bags

Recycling

Must be clean & dry.

Empty Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Rolls

Recycling

Must be clean & dry.

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.

Ice Cream Cartons

Trash

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

Milk, Soup, and Juice Cartons

Trash

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

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.

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.

Newspaper

Recycling

Must be clean & dry.

Shredded Paper

Recycling

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

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.

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]

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]

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.

Molded Pulp Cup Holders

Recycling

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

Packing (Kraft) Paper

Recycling

Must be clean & dry.

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.

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.

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 or magazines.

Glittery or 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 or magazines.

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.