Can you recycle gift bags, ribbon & bows?

Gift bags survive many rounds of reuse. Paper-only bags (rope handles removed) recycle with card; anything laminated, glittered or foiled doesn't. Ribbon and bows are tanglers — never in recycling.

Tips

• Do the scrunch test on gift wrap: springs back = foil/plastic = general waste

Which bin does it go in?

Reuse gift bags (everyone does); ribbon and bows are general waste; plain paper bags recycle.

Before throwing it away, see reuse, repair and donation routes.

Background: What goes in each household bin?.

Also searched as: ribbon, bows, gift wrap accessories.