Dear Tee Cee >> Can I recycle magazines? I found a serious stack cleaning out my parents’ basement. And same question for glossy cardboard boxes — I’m assuming these types of glossy papers aren’t recyclable, right? Does the gloss mean they’re plastic-coated?

Thanks, Mick

Dear Mick >> Thanks for giving us a shout before tossing something valuable out. Great news: Those glossy gems can be recycled.

Many folks think shiny paper means plastic, but most magazines are coated with natural materials like clay — not plastic. That means they’re fine to toss in the recycling bin. Same goes for glossy corrugated cardboard used for packaging items such as electronics, toys, and shoes, as well as glossy paperboard boxes like those used for cereal and crackers.

Occasionally, you might come across a magazine that uses actual plastic for the cover — but you can usually tell the difference. If it feels like plastic and doesn’t tear like paper, it is plastic, and the cover belongs in the trash.

Most paper products are recyclable: newspapers, magazines, catalogs, cereal boxes, phone books, paper grocery and gift bags, cardboard, office paper, junk mail — even paperback books.

When you recycle paper, you help protect forests, conserve water and energy, support green jobs, and fight climate change. That’s because paper and other plant-based materials release methane, a super-potent greenhouse gas, when they rot in landfills. Recycling gives that material a second life and avoids those emissions. Win-win.

That said, not all paper is recyclable. Here are the main types of paper to keep out of the bin, either because of their coating or contamination:

• Paper towels, napkins, and tissues: These low-grade papers have super-short fibers that can’t be recycled. Compost them at home if you can.

• Plastic-coated cups and containers: Think coffee cups, take-out boxes, and ice cream tubs —they’re paper on the inside but plastic on the outside.

• Frozen food boxes: These are coated with a thin plastic layer to prevent freezer burn. Unfortunately, that ices them out for recyclability.

• Receipts: Most are made from thermal paper, which is another way of saying “plastic-coated and full of toxic chemicals.” Even if labeled “BPA-free,” please toss these in the trash, and skip the slip if you can.

• Greasy pizza boxes: Tear off and recycle the clean lid; trash the cheesy bottom (or use it as mulch — tomatoes won’t mind!)

For quick answers about what goes where, download the Eco-Cycle A—Z Recycling Guide app.

— Tee Cee