Candy Wrappers Aren’t Recyclable
Traditional candy wrappers can’t be recycled. Why? Mostly because they are too small. The thin plastic pieces are nearly impossible to sort, so they get stuck to other recyclables and become contaminants. If your wrappers feel like plastic or are shiny inside, make sure they go in the garbage.
Not Just One Material
A lot of times, candy wrappers are made with different materials, such as a mix of plastic and aluminum or paper and aluminum. Recycling plants are not able to separate these mixed materials to use them again, so they need to go in the garbage.
100% Aluminum Wrappers OK
If the wrapper is 100% aluminum foil, it’s OK to recycle. Both the inside and outside will look metallic and feel like metal foil, not plastic or paper. These are most commonly found on single chocolates or bars of chocolate (not candy bars). If any part of the wrapper looks or feels like paper or plastic, toss it in the garbage. If you aren’t sure, toss it in the garbage.
Alternative Ways to Recycle
SWEDISH FISH Recycling Program
You can send in any kind of SWEDISH FISH packaging to the SWEDISH FISH Recycling Program, which is a free recycling program through TerraCycle. Find out how to mail in these snack bags.
Ways to Reduce
Buy Candy Wrapped in Aluminum or Paper
To reduce the impact of candy wrapper waste on the environment, choose candy that’s wrapped in recyclable materials like 100% paper or 100% aluminum foil.
