England
Recycle at home
Yes. Put it in your recycling bin.
Paper goes in your recycling; many councils collect paper and card in a separate box or bag.
England-wide guidance, checked 26 Sep 2026. View the source
Paper bag
Also called: brown paper bag, kraft bag, shopping bag paper, Primark bag
Recycle at home
National rules. Choose your council to see its answer.
Your council's answer
The answer can differ by council. Choose your council to see its rules for this item.
How to prepare it
- Remove string or ribbon handles
Where to take it
Place data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
Get the app
Snap a photo instead of typing, and get a reminder the evening before bin day.
National rules
The answer isn't the same in every UK nation. Choose your council to see the one that applies to you.
Scotland
Recycle at home
Yes. Put it in your recycling bin.
Paper goes in your recycling; most Scottish councils collect paper and card together in their own bin or box.
Scotland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source
Wales
Recycle at home
Yes. Put it in your recycling bin.
Most Welsh councils collect paper and card together in their own box or bag, kept apart from glass and from cans and plastics.
Wales-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source
Northern Ireland
Recycle at home
Yes. Put it in your recycling bin.
Clean, dry paper goes in your recycling; shredded or wet paper can go in the brown bin instead.
Northern Ireland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source
Rules in the rest of the UK
England
Recycle at home
Yes. Put it in your recycling bin.
Paper goes in your recycling; many councils collect paper and card in a separate box or bag.
England-wide guidance, checked 26 Sep 2026. View the source
Scotland
Recycle at home
Yes. Put it in your recycling bin.
Paper goes in your recycling; most Scottish councils collect paper and card together in their own bin or box.
Scotland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source
Wales
Recycle at home
Yes. Put it in your recycling bin.
Most Welsh councils collect paper and card together in their own box or bag, kept apart from glass and from cans and plastics.
Wales-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source
Northern Ireland
Recycle at home
Yes. Put it in your recycling bin.
Clean, dry paper goes in your recycling; shredded or wet paper can go in the brown bin instead.
Northern Ireland-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source
Recycle This isn't run by or endorsed by any council or the government. Councils change their services, so check anything important with your council.