Paper recycling in the UK: how it works, what can go in and business collections
Paper recycling turns used paper back into pulp, which mills make into new paper and board. Paper fibres can be recycled about five to seven times before they become too short to use. Paper and cardboard is the most recycled packaging material in the UK, at 80.3% in 2025 on provisional figures.
Paper recycling: key facts
| UK paper and cardboard packaging recycled | 80.3% in 2025, on provisional figures from Defra |
|---|---|
| Times it can be recycled | About five to seven |
| Paper most in demand | Sorted white office paper |
| Rule for workplaces in England | Paper and cardboard must be kept out of general waste since 31 March 2025 |
| Confidential paper | Should be shredded to the BS EN 15713 standard before it is recycled |
How is paper recycled?
- Collection and sorting. Paper is sorted into grades, such as office paper, newspapers and mixed paper.
- Baling. Each grade is baled and sent to a paper mill.
- Pulping. The mill mixes the paper with water to make a pulp.
- Cleaning. Screens take out staples, plastic and glue.
- Removing ink. Air is blown through the pulp. The ink sticks to the bubbles and is skimmed off.
- Making new paper. The clean pulp is pressed, dried and wound onto reels.
What paper can be recycled?
| Yes | No |
|---|---|
| Office and printer paper | Tissues, kitchen roll and wet wipes |
| Newspapers, magazines and catalogues | Paper stained with food or grease |
| Envelopes, including those with windows | Shiny till receipts |
| Leaflets, letters and brochures | Wallpaper |
| Paper bags and wrapping paper without foil or glitter | Paper laminated with plastic or foil |
Shredded and confidential paper
Shredded paper can be recycled, and most business collections accept it. Many councils do not take it from households, because the small strips fall through sorting machines. Check with your council before you put it in a home recycling bin.
A business must protect personal data until the paper is destroyed. A shredding company that works to the BS EN 15713 standard will collect the paper, shred it and give you a certificate of destruction. The shredded paper is then recycled, usually into tissue products.
Paper recycling for businesses
In England, the Simpler Recycling rules have required workplaces to keep paper and cardboard apart from general waste since 31 March 2025. Workplaces with fewer than 10 full time staff have until 31 March 2027. Paper and cardboard should be collected separately from other recycling where possible, because broken glass and food lower its value.
Buyers grade paper under a European standard, EN 643. Sorted office paper is grade 2.05 and earns more than mixed paper, which is grade 1.02. An office that keeps white paper apart from other waste gets the best price. Read our guide on how to sell office waste.
What is waste paper worth?
In July 2026 the average UK export value was £181 a tonne for white paper and £119 a tonne for cardboard. A buyer will offer less than this, because the figures include baling and shipping.
See the current cardboard and paper prices.
Paper recycling near me
Households can use the council collection or a recycling centre. Businesses need a licensed waste carrier, a shredding company for confidential paper, or a buyer for sorted paper in volume.
Frequently asked questions
Can you recycle shredded paper?
Yes, but check first. Most business collections and shredding companies recycle it. Many councils do not accept it from households, because the strips are too small for their sorting machines.
How many times can paper be recycled?
About five to seven times. The fibres get shorter each time, so mills add some new fibre to keep the paper strong.
Can envelopes with windows be recycled?
Yes. Paper mills remove the plastic window during pulping, so you do not need to tear it out.
Can till receipts be recycled?
Usually not. Most shiny receipts are printed on thermal paper, which has a chemical coating that cannot go into paper recycling. Put them in general waste.
Is paper recycling free for businesses?
It depends on the amount. Small collections normally carry a charge, although it is lower than for general waste. Offices and printers with large volumes of sorted white paper can be paid for it.