Many greeting cards can go with paper recycling, but glitter, foil, photo paper, ribbons, and hidden electronics can change the answer.
Check each card before it reaches the bin. Musical cards need special attention because a small battery and sound module sit inside.
Sort Plain Paper Cards
Plain paper cards and envelopes are accepted by many curbside paper programs. Your local program still makes the final decision.
Remove loose ribbons, plastic decorations, magnets, metal charms, and other non-paper pieces. If a decorated section will not separate cleanly, put that section in local trash.
A glossy-looking card may be coated or printed on photo paper. Check your local paper rules rather than judging by shine alone.
- Plain paper body and envelope: check local paper recycling.
- Foil, glitter, ribbon, felt, plastic, or photo-paper section: remove it and follow local trash rules.
- Musical module and battery: keep them out of curbside paper and trash; use the local battery or electronics route.
Handle Musical Cards Separately
A singing or light-up card contains a battery, wires, and electronic parts. Do not place the complete card in paper recycling.
Hennepin County tells residents to remove the electronic parts, recycle the paper, and bring the battery to its county drop-off facility.
That process is a Hennepin County example. Your battery chemistry and local program may require a different route.
If the module will not come out without puncturing or bending the battery, stop. Take the complete card to an accepting electronics or household hazardous waste program.
EPA says rechargeable batteries and devices containing them do not belong in household trash or municipal recycling bins.
Reuse Cards That Matter
You do not need to discard a card because the occasion has passed. Keep the ones that carry a message, signature, photo, or memory you value.
Cut sound paper sections into gift tags, bookmarks, new card fronts, or scrapbook pieces. Avoid reusing loose glitter where it will shed.
Before sharing a card, cover or remove private addresses, personal notes, school details, or family information you do not want passed along.
Choose Easier Cards Next Time
A plain paper card without glitter, foil, plastic windows, or electronics is easier for a local paper program to evaluate.
An electronic greeting or a reusable card can avoid a new mixed-material item, although the right choice depends on the person receiving it.
For another paper item, see whether wrapping paper with tape can be recycled.