Envelopes Recycling Paper envelopes, manilla envelopes, and envelopes with a plastic window are all accepted in the recycling container. Prep for recycling Although not necessary, removing the plastic window helps with the recycling process. Remove all contents from envelope. Paper is initially sorted by weight; additional contents can disrupt this process. Removed inserts that are paper can be placed in the recycling. Contents that are not recyclable include coins, plastic cards, mailing labels, and stickers. Remove any sections that have glitter, foil, metal charms, felt cutouts, ribbons, or similar. All of these items will contaminate the paper recycling. Padded envelopes comprised of paper on the inside and bubble wrap on the outside should be placed in the trash. Lunar New Year Envelopes Red envelopes for the Lunar New Year made of plain paper can be placed in the recycling container. However, glossy envelopes with foil must go in the garbage. Ways to Reduce Reduce Junk Mail Junk mail generates a lot of waste on a weekly basis. Learn how to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive. Ways to Reuse Use Envelopes More Than Once As much as possible, try to use envelopes more than once before disposing of them. You can cover old addresses with labels or cross them out.