Lewes Public Library gift wrapping

People brought their gifts to the Lewes library, where high schoolers transformed them into beautifully wrapped packages.

DELAWARE--As the holiday season wraps up, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) wants to remind residents about the proper disposal of wrapping paper and tissue paper. While the joy of gift-giving is abundant, so is the waste generated from it. To promote responsible recycling practices, DNREC has issued guidelines for handling these materials.

Tissue Paper:

One of the crucial points to note is that tissue paper is not recyclable in Delaware. This means that Delawareans need to find alternative ways to make use of it or dispose of it in the trash bin. Recycling facilities in the state do not accept tissue paper due to its delicate nature and low recycling value.

Wrapping Paper:

Not all wrapping papers are created equal when it comes to recycling. DNREC, in coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment, offers guidance on what types of wrapping paper can be recycled:

Get our all-good news weekly newsletter
FEEL GOOD FRIDAY
  • Recyclable Wrapping Paper: Non-glittered wrapping paper and newspaper are acceptable for recycling. These materials are considered environmentally friendly and can be placed in your recycling bin for collection.

  • Non-Recyclable Wrapping Paper: On the other hand, it's important to note that foil, translucent, and glitter wrapping paper should not be included in your recycling bin. These types of wrapping paper are not suitable for recycling due to the presence of non-recyclable elements.

Sorting Your Recycling Bin:

To ensure your recyclables are handled correctly, make sure to sort your bin correctly before it's picked up during your designated collection week. Avoid placing non-recyclable materials in your recycling bin, as this can lead to contamination issues and hinder the recycling process.

For more information and updates on recycling guidelines, please visit the official DNREC website.

Evening Broadcast Journalist

Madeleine has been with Draper Media since 2016, when she first worked as Sussex County Bureau Chief. She helped launch the rebranded CoastTV in 2019. As co-anchor of CoastTV News at 5 and 6, Maddie helps organize the evening newscasts and performs managerial responsibilities such as helping find and assign stories, approving scripts, and making content decisions.

Recommended for you