Can you recycle stickers?

Stickers are fun, useful, and everywhere. They’re found on packaging, mailers, laptops, and water bottles. But when it’s time to throw them out, things get tricky. Can you actually recycle them? The short answer is usually no. But the full story depends on the materials, where you live, and what the sticker is stuck to. Let’s break it down.

Why are stickers difficult to recycle?

Most consumer stickers aren’t recyclable because they’re made from a mix of materials that aren’t easily separated. The paper or plastic layer is often combined with adhesives, coatings, and inks—all of which complicate the recycling process.

Even small amounts of adhesive can clog machinery or contaminate batches of recyclable material. Stickers can also stick to other recyclables like cardboard or plastic containers, making those items harder to process. On their own, stickers are rarely accepted by curbside recycling programs, and most end up in the trash.

What stickers are made of (and why that matters)

Stickers might look simple, but they’re usually made from several layers. Each one affects how recyclable they are.

• Facestock

This is the top layer you see and touch. It can be paper, plastic (like vinyl or polypropylene), or even foil. Some facestocks are recyclable on their own, but it depends on what they’re stuck to.

• Adhesive

This is what makes the sticker stick. Most adhesives are made from synthetic materials that can’t be recycled or composted. Even in tiny amounts, they can contaminate recycling streams.

• Top coating or laminate

Many stickers have a clear layer over the design to protect against water, UV, or wear. If this layer is made from a different material than the facestock, it makes recycling harder.

• Release liner

This is the backing sheet you peel the sticker from. Most are coated with silicone to prevent sticking, which makes them non-recyclable in standard curbside systems.

Each of these layers affects whether the sticker can be processed at a recycling facility. In most cases, the combination of materials makes the entire sticker unrecyclable.

Are any stickers recyclable?

Some stickers can be recycled, but only in very specific cases. Most curbside recycling programs won’t accept them, especially if they’re made from mixed materials or have strong adhesives. Still, there are a few exceptions:

• Paper stickers on paper packaging can sometimes be recycled together, but only if the adhesive used is minimal. These are more likely to be accepted when stuck to things like cardboard boxes or envelopes.
• Plastic stickers on matching plastic surfaces (for example, a polypropylene sticker on a polypropylene bottle) may be recyclable as long as the rest of the packaging is also accepted.
• Recycle-compatible stickers, often used in packaging and known as recycling-compatible labels, are now available from some manufacturers. These are made with specially designed adhesives and materials that won’t interfere with recycling, but they’re not yet widespread.

Even in these cases, recyclability often depends on local facilities. Always check with your waste management service to be sure.

What about compostable stickers?

Most stickers aren’t compostable, even if they look like paper. That’s because the adhesive is usually made from synthetic materials that don’t break down in compost. Even a small amount of non-compostable glue can contaminate an entire compost batch.

There are compostable stickers on the market, but they’re relatively uncommon. These are typically made from natural materials like sugarcane fiber, wood pulp, or recycled paper, and they use plant-based adhesives. If a sticker is truly compostable, it should say so on the packaging. Look for certifications like “home compostable” or “industrial compostable.”

Keep in mind: compostable stickers often have a shorter shelf life and may not be as durable as traditional ones, which is why most companies still use synthetic adhesives.

Can you recycle items that have stickers on them?

In many cases, yes, but it depends on the material and the size of the sticker.

You should peel off as much as you can. Removing the sticker residue might be tricky, especially on materials like plastic and cardboard.

If you're unsure, contact your local facility for details. Different facilities have different standards, and following them helps reduce contamination and waste.

What to do with stickers instead

Since most stickers aren’t recyclable or compostable, the best option is to keep them out of the landfill for as long as possible. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Reuse them – If they’re still sticky, move them to a notebook, journal, or storage bin. Some people collect used stickers in sticker books. You can organize them by shape, for instance, like putting circle stickers together.
• Repurpose for crafts – Use old stickers in scrapbooking, card-making, or collages.
• Decorate low-waste gifts – Stickers can add a personal touch to wrapping paper, gift bags, or envelopes.
• Use in shipping or labeling – Reuse branded or old stickers for labeling boxes or organizing storage.

If none of these work, and they’re not recyclable, your last resort is to throw them away. Some specialized programs like TerraCycle accept hard-to-recycle materials, including certain sticker waste. Check to see if they have a drop-off near you.

Final tips

Stickers might seem small, but they add up, especially when they’re not recyclable or compostable. The good news is that there are better options if you want to be more environmentally conscious.

You can choose paper stickers with minimal or recycle-friendly adhesive, especially if you're applying them to paper packaging.

If you're looking for an easy switch, at Sticker it, we offer biodegradable stickers made from sustainable materials that still look sharp and hold up well. They’re perfect for brands or individuals who want something eye-catching and eco-conscious. You don’t have to compromise design to do better for the planet.

FAQs

Can stickers on cardboard boxes be recycled together?

Sometimes. If the stickers are small and use minimal adhesive, most recycling programs will still accept cardboard boxes with them attached. But in areas with stricter recycling stream requirements, it’s better to peel them off to avoid contamination.

Are sticker backing sheets recyclable or reusable?

Most backing sheets are coated with silicone, making them unsuitable for paper recycling or standard recycling bins. However, some brands now use recyclable pulp-based liners or offer mail-in recycling programs for specialty liners.

Do stickers made with plastic resin impact recyclability?

Yes. Stickers that contain plastic resin, especially PVC or vinyl, are not biodegradable and can interfere with the recycling process. They can contaminate other recyclable packaging, particularly paper and cardboard.

Can I recycle envelopes with address labels on them?

In many cases, yes. Small address labels don’t need to be removed from envelopes before putting them into the recycling bin, as most recycling facilities can handle a small amount of non-paper materials like labels and adhesive.

What should I do with small stickers that are hard to remove?

You can try to remove them, but if that’s not possible and the item is recyclable (like cardboard), place it in the recycling, unless your local facility says otherwise. But if the sticker is large or coated, it may be best to peel it off to protect recycling products from contaminants.