Laurin Rinder / Shutterstock.com Wax Paper Trash Laurin Rinder / Shutterstock.com Wax paper should be always be placed in the trash container. No matter if it is made with petroleum-based wax or plant-based wax, it is not accepted in the recycling or organics containers. Recycle Only the Box Remove the little strip of metal teeth before placing the box with other paperboard for recycling. Break down the box and then recycle it. Ways to Reduce Buy Petroleum-Free Alternatives Buy paper that uses soy wax rather than paraffin wax because this paper is made from a renewable resource. Paraffin wax is made from petroleum. Ways to Reuse Clean and Reuse If the wax paper is not soiled with grease or food, you can clean and reuse it.