Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I recycle envelopes with windows?
Answer:
If the envelope window is paper-based you can recycle it, but if the window is made from plastic film it is helpful if you can remove it first.
The paper reprocessing system is designed to deal with small amounts of contamination. "Contamination" is the term used for items found in the recycling that are not asked for, such as plastic film and bottle tops.
Therefore if you mistakenly leave the plastic window in place the envelope will probably still be recycled, and the film panel will be removed during the pulping process. It will just take more time and energy to sort out further along the recycling process.
