Can You Recycle Magazines? Everything You Need to Know

Last updated on April 21st, 2023 at 03:44 am

I used to collect magazines, back when I worked for a magazine. I loved flipping through the pages, looking at the gorgeous photographs, and reading the fantastic articles. If you’re an avid reader, you’re probably the same to some extent. And…you might have loads of old magazines lying around. Can you recycle magazines? You know, instead of throwing them in the trash? 

Recycling is an important way to handle waste, but what about recycling magazines? In this post, we’ll look at some commonly asked questions, the magazine recycling process, and tips for recycling effectively.

Check out our posts on recycling styrofoam, recycling bubble wrap, recycling puzzles, recycling wood, and more!

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Before diving into the specifics of recycling magazines, it’s important to understand what magazines are made of. Most magazines are made of paper, which is derived from trees. Paper is a valuable resource that can be recycled and reused multiple times, which is why recycling magazines is an important aspect of environmental conservation. Let’s look at some commonly asked questions:

Can Magazines Be Recycled With Newspapers?

Magazines can certainly be tossed into your recycle bin along with newspapers, and other paper items. But, you first have to make sure of some things. Remove the plastic sleeve that some magazines come in, and also take out any samples contained inside the magazine.

Magazine pages are often coated for that glossy appearance. Sometimes it’s with natural materials and sometimes it’s with polyethylene (PE). Now, polyethylene-coated paper cannot be recycled, and must be disposed of separately. 

So, once you’ve taken out the recyclable sections of your magazines, you can drop them in the curbside recycle bin along with your newspapers, junk mail, and other paper products.

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Can Glossy Magazines Be Recycled?

Can I recycle glossy paper? Well, as mentioned, glossy paper that has been coated with polyethylene (PE) is not recyclable. But how can you tell what type of gloss it is?

Try tearing the paper. If it tears easily, it contains natural gloss and is recyclable. If it’s difficult to rip, it’s probably coated with PE. Also, paper that doesn’t remain crumpled when you crush it, and sort of opens back up, is also probably treated with PE. 

What is “natural gloss,” though? When paper gets a shiny coating from a special additive (such as fine clay), that additive seeps into the paper fibers and helps to create a smooth surface (the roughness of the paper is smoothed out). This material can be recycled. But not PE (which is plastic). The recycling center will separate the gloss from the wood pulp of the paper, and combine that with fresh wood pulp to create new products.

How to Dispose of PE-coated paper?

Specialist recycling facilities, such as Georgia-Pacific paper mills in Wisconsin and Oklahoma, handle polyethylene-coated paper. 

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Can You Recycle Magazines With Staples?

This is a common misconception, that magazines must be free of any staples, bindings, or other materials in order to be recyclable. In reality, magazines with staples and bindings can be sent for recycling; the recycling center will remove these materials during the sorting process.

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Recycle Magazines Waste Management

How does it all happen? Let’s briefly look in.

The Magazine Recycling Process

The recycling process for magazines is similar to that of other paper products. The magazines are collected, sorted, and transported to a recycling facility. There, the paper is broken down into pulp, which can then be used to make new paper products. 

Tips for Recycling Magazines

For recycling your magazines, there are several tips you should keep in mind. First, make sure to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept magazines for recycling. If they do, follow their guidelines for preparing the magazines for recycling. This may include removing any plastic covers, binding, or staples. Additionally, consider donating your old magazines to a library, school, or hospital instead of throwing them away. This can extend the life of the magazines and reduce waste.

Or, you can make loads of crafts with your old magazines!:

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Where To Sell or Recycle Magazines For Cash

Many places buy old magazines, especially collectible issues. Check with your local vintage and antique dealers, and consignment shops.

Private collectors are also a good place to try. Check out these options:

1 // Back to the Past Collectibles 

2 // VintageMagazines.com

3 // Neatstuff Collectibles 

4 // Mr-Magazine 

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Can You Recycle Books?

Yes! Books are made of 100% paper, so they’re easy to recycle. Especially paperbacks. I’m assuming you’re only recycling worn out books, though. Because, if your books are in good condition, please donate or sell them!

Can You Put Hardcover Books In The Recycle Bin?

You can’t drop the hard covers of hardcover books into the curbside recycle bin. Hardback books are bound with leather, cloth or composite paper (and plastic sometimes). You will have to remove the hard cover binding and just drop in the pages for mixed page recycling. 

First check with your local recycling center, though, for their specific rules.

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FAQs About Magazine Recycling

1 / Can I donate my old magazines instead of recycling them?

Yes, donating your old magazines to a library, school, or hospital is a great way to extend their life and reduce waste. Two options are Books for Soldiers and MagLiteracy. If you have some cool architecture magazines lying around, donate them to the US Modernist’s architecture magazine library!

2 / Is it better to recycle magazines or throw them away?

A: Recycling magazines is always the better option, as it helps to reduce waste and conserve resources.

3 / Can I recycle magazines that are torn or damaged?

A: While it’s best to recycle magazines that are in good condition, most recycling facilities will still accept magazines that are torn or damaged.

4 / Are there any other ways to reuse magazines?

A: Yes, there are several ways to reuse magazines, including using them for crafts, gift wrapping, or even as kindling for a fire.

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This post was about recycling magazines

Yes, magazines can be recycled. Magazines are typically made of paper, which is a recyclable material. However, not all recycling facilities accept magazines, and it’s important to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept magazines for recycling. Ensure that your old magazines are being disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.

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