Educate – Sort – Recycle

Gift Box

Learn how Gee Hoe Seng Pte Ltd (GHS) handles the responsible disposal of gift boxes, mooncake boxes, and decorative packaging in Singapore.

Our goal is to make recycling easy, safe, and transparent. Many people aren’t sure whether CPUs can be recycled or if they must be thrown away — here’s how to handle them the right way.

Decorative mooncake box and gift bag collected for recycling or proper disposal in Singapore.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Is it Recyclable?

No — most gift boxes are not recyclable.

Although many appear to be paper-based, most are laminated with a thin plastic film or contain non-paper elements such as ribbons, magnets, or metal clasps. These materials cannot be separated efficiently, making the boxes unsuitable for recycling.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Why It Cannot Be Recycled

Gift boxes are often designed with glossy coatings, textured paper, or complex decorative parts — all of which reduce recyclability.

Here’s why recycling doesn’t work

  • The plastic laminate coating prevents paper fibers from breaking down during pulping.
  • Mixed materials such as fabric, metal, and magnets cannot be separated from the box body.
  • Strong adhesives and glossy finishes contaminate the recycling stream.
Not Recyclable
  • Laminated or glossy gift boxes and mooncake boxes
  • Gift boxes with metal clasps, magnets, or ribbons
  • Boxes with fabric linings or foam inserts
  • Packaging containing battery lights or music chips
  • Decorative boxes with plastic trays or acrylic windows

Note: Even though the base may be paper, the overall composition classifies these boxes as non-recyclable waste.

Additional Information
Loads containing mixed recyclable and laminated boxes may be rejected or subject to handling charges. If your gift box feels glossy or has multiple materials attached, it should be disposed of as general waste, not paper recycling.

How to Dispose Responsibly

  • Reuse sturdy boxes for storage or gifting.

  • Flatten before disposal — save space in waste bins.

  • Do not mix laminated boxes with recyclable cardboard or paper.