Product Guide

How to Recycle or Dispose of Used Custom Tape Responsibly

Recycle or dispose of custom tape correctly depending on the material type.

3 min readUpdated April 2025

Paper tape recycling

Paper tape can stay on the box when recycling. Fully compatible with cardboard recycling.
Water-activated tape is also recyclable as it is kraft paper with starch adhesive.

Quick answer

Paper tape and water-activated tape can be recycled with the cardboard box. Plastic PP and PVC tape should be removed before recycling the box. Paper-based tapes are compatible with the cardboard pulping process. Plastic tapes contaminate recycling and should be placed in general waste. The simplest approach is using paper or WAT tape so your entire parcel is recyclable without any separation.

Plastic tape disposal

Plastic tape contaminates cardboard recycling.

Most plastic tape is not recyclable through standard collections.

Recycling facilities filter it out, but contamination reduces recycling quality.

Disposal tips

Print disposal instructions on your tape or boxes: "This tape is paper and can be recycled with the box" for paper tape. For plastic tape, print reminders to remove before recycling. Better yet, switch to paper tape so the entire parcel is recyclable.

From ProcuraPack

Recyclable custom tape

Paper tape that recycles with the box from ProcuraPack.

Browse custom tape

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is fully compatible with cardboard recycling.

Yes, it contaminates the cardboard recycling process.

Yes, it is kraft paper with starch adhesive.

General waste. It is not recyclable through standard collections.

Yes, it helps recipients dispose of your packaging correctly.

Part of our guide

Product Guide: Custom Tape

Expert guides on custom printed packaging tape for branding, security, and professional presentation.

Browse all guides →