Can Photos Be Recycled?
We all have a box somewhere in the backroom or garage full of old family photos. But the question what do we do with them when we no longer want them. Can photos be recycled?
Photographs are primarily made of paper, and so it would seem that they should be easy to recycle. But, unfortunately, the paper in photographs has been treated and coated with chemicals.
These old photographs were created using a chemical process that prints the picture on paper using chemicals. The paper absorbs the residue chemicals.
This means the paper is no longer able to be recycled, and your old family photos will have to be thrown into the trash bin. This is similar to the thermal paper used in receipt paper, which also should go in your trash can.
Luckily with the invention of the digital camera, we no longer create this waste. And, if you have printed photos more recently from your digital camera at home, these can be recycled just the same as your regular office paper.
So how can you tell if your photos can be recycled?
It’s easy, tear the corner of the photo, and if the tear is a clean slice like a piece of paper or magazine, it can be recycled. However, if the tear exposes layers, it is probably chemically treated photographic paper and will need to go into the trash.
If you are still not sure then it’s best to avoid wish cycling and put it into the trash so that you do not contaminate other recyclable paper.
Want more tips on how to recycle?
Check out these articles or go to our blog.
My Review of the Wholly Shrink! Soft Plastic Recycling Compactor
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Shrinker! 3.0 soft plastic compactor by Wholly Shrink! and I must say, I’m impressed! What exactly
Is Hard Plastic Recyclable: A Simple 3-Step Guide to Recycling Right
How to decide is hard plastic recyclable: 1- Is it hard or soft plastic? 2- What type is it? 3 -Does your local service collect it?
Bioplastics vs. Plastics: What is the difference?
Explore the differences between bioplastics and traditional plastics, weighing their environmental impact and sustainability for informed choices.
Is Polycarbonate Plastic? Educating ourselves on its advantages and disadvantages.
Get the answer to is polycarbonate plastic, then learn what its properties and uses are and the potential environmental concerns here.
How many times can it be recycled?
The recycling lifecycle: plastic becomes new containers and paper fresh sheets. But how many times can they be recycled?
How are Bioplastics Made, What Are They, And Are They Good
Discover how are bioplastics made, their nature, their challenges and the environmental implications of their use.
