According to the latest Eurostat data, approximately 81.5 million tonnes of packaging waste were generated across the EU in 2024. The largest share by material was paper and cardboard (40.8%), followed by plastic (19.9%), glass (18.1%), wood (16.2%), and metal (4.8%). Paper is used everywhere — at home, in the office, at school, and in the workplace. It often ends up in the recycling bin after just a single use. That’s why placing greater emphasis on reusing paper is so important. Reuse is one of the most meaningful and immediate ways to prevent waste generation.
Let’s look at some examples and best practices for reusing paper packaging:
At home
- Get creative with materials! Instead of recycling old paper packaging straight away, consider giving it a new life by transforming it into something useful. Popular ideas found online include pet beds or houses, children’s toys (miniature houses, cars), and much more.
- Use cardboard boxes and paper bags from products you purchase for storing, organizing, and transporting various items.
- Reuse envelopes and paper bags as gift wrapping.
At the office and workplace
- Use A4 paper boxes for filing documents.
- Convert cardboard boxes into holders for folders, magazines, and printed materials by cutting diagonally across the top.
- Use small cardboard boxes as drawer organizers for paper clips, cables, and other small items.
For shopping and shipping
- Reuse cardboard boxes and packaging when sending parcels (e.g., A4 paper boxes, packaging from electrical or electronic equipment, etc.).
The above are just a few examples — there are many more ways to reuse paper packaging and paper in general! You can find more ideas in the DEDISA S.A. (Local Government Organisation) Information Guide here.
So what comes after reuse?
In all cases, it’s important to follow the correct hierarchy of options for solid waste management, as outlined in EU legislation and strategy, illustrated by the inverted pyramid below. The higher an option appears in the pyramid, the more preferable it is — and reuse always comes before recycling.
Next comes recycling!
When paper packaging can no longer be reused, it should be collected separately and placed loosely in an indoor bin or bag (with larger boxes folded flat), before ultimately being disposed of in the blue bin with the yellow lid — provided that a source-separation paper collection programme is operating in your municipality. Otherwise, it should be placed loosely in the standard blue bin.
Every time we reuse a piece of paper packaging, we reduce the need for new raw materials and cut down on the volume of waste produced. No major lifestyle changes are required — just small habits that, when adopted by many, truly make a difference.
We can all help protect the environment and our communities, starting right from our own homes or workplaces. Let’s begin today with one small habit!
