Laminated Paper & Cardboard
Waterproof paper, Lamination, Laminated photographs, Photos, Laminating sheets, Shiny paper
Recyclable?
Blue Bins & Chutes
Other Recycling
Recommended
Trash
When plastic is bonded to paper as it is with plastic lamination, it makes it impossible to recycle either material. Throw it out.
Water is required for paper recycling. Lamination makes paper water-resistant which is why it can't be recycled.
General Waste
Info & Insights
How can you tell if paper is laminated or likely laminated?
- It often has a reflective sheen or glossy surface
- It is hard to tear without a lot of effort
- Drops of water bead on the laminated side
- The paper is meant for containing liquid (eg coffee cup)
Think your disposable coffee cup is all paper? Think again. Here's a photo of a coffee cup that has been in a compost bin for 1 year. Worms have eaten all the paper leaving the plastic layer behind.
