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Give Mother Nature the perfect gift – the resolution to recycle more

December 11, 2025 – KeDezemba in Mzansi is not only a season of summer vibes, family time and opening presents – it’s also the perfect moment to clear out our homes and offices, giving paper and cardboard a second life instead of banishing them to landfill.

A tonne of recyclable paper products can save around three cubic metres of landfill space – and South Africa’s paper recycling industry collects around 1.2 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging every year. This material feeds the production of new paper packaging and essential tissue products.

“In total, the paper we recover each year saves approximately 3.6 million cubic metres of landfill space. That’s the equivalent of 1,400 Olympic-sized swimming pools or 212 football fields kept out of our landfills!” says Samantha Choles from the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA).

December 26 – or Boxing Day – was traditionally a time to sort through unused or unwanted items and pass them on to those in need. Today, it’s also the day when cardboard boxes, toy packaging and heaps of wrapping paper tend to overflow from wheelie bins and refuse bags.

This festive season, give Mother Nature a gift by recycling your paper and paper packaging. Every sheet, box and bit of cardboard makes a difference.

Clear those files and piles of office paper

“Office paper remains one of the least recycled paper products in South Africa – largely because documents are archived or stored indefinitely, or simply because of apathy toward recycling,” says Choles.

“If it’s time for you to clear out those files or piles, make sure that paper goes into a recycling bin.” She adds that plastic binders or covers should be removed, as these can damage paper recycling equipment.

Keep a paper recycling bin close by

A study conducted in Australia showed that only 28% of paper was recycled where recycling containers were centrally located such as a copier room. However when recycling containers were placed in near workspaces, the number increase to around 90%.

The same goes for households. Keep recycling bins in areas where you usually throw away paper and packaging such as the kitchen, bathroom or study.

Top tips

  • Avoid mixing your paper with other recyclables.
  • Do not let your paper get wet or dirtied by other rubbish. Keep it under cover or in a closed plastic container or bag.
  • Get to know what is recyclable and what is not. These are recyclable:
    • Cardboard boxes
    • Cardboard packaging – dry food, cosmetic and medicine boxes; roll cores, packing cartons
    • Paper shopping bags
    • Magazines and brochures, including glossy varieties
    • Milk, beverage and food cartons (liquid board packaging)
    • Newspapers
    • Office paper
    • Paper cups
    • Paper gift wrapping without too much sticky tape
    • Shredded paper is recyclable, although not always recommended, as it is difficult to bale and shredding shortens the paper fibres
  • The following paper types should not be put into your recycling bin:
    • Foil gift wrapping and foil-lined boxes
    • Wax coated or laminated boxes such as frozen food boxes
    • Empty cement and dog food bags
    • Disposable nappies
    • Carbon paper
    • Items such as paper receipts, paper sweet wrappers and sticky notes are too small to bale, so it’s best to put these in your refuse bin, or you could use for kindling for your braai!
  • Sign up to a recycling collection service, find a paper recycling depot, or keep it aside for a local recycling collector.

 Some sustainable gift wrapping ideas

  • Ditch the foil-type gift wrap for more personalised and recyclable paper options.
  • Create unique gift wrap by decorating brown kraft paper or paper bags with paint or ink stamps, fingerprints, drawings, or handwritten messages.
  • Wrap your gifts with the plain brown kraft paper or newspaper, tie them with a pretty reusable fabric ribbon, and add some greenery from your garden for a natural, festive look.
  • Upcycle branded gift bags by covering logos with a drawing, craft paper, or a piece of Christmas-themed paper.

 Make a New Year’s resolution to recycle in 2026

If you’re looking for a resolution that truly makes a difference, choose recycling — and not just paper. Glass, plastic and tins should also be kept separate from general waste so they can be recovered, reused and kept out of our landfills.

For more information about paper and paper recycling, visit thepaperstory.co.za

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