Do your envelopes contain a plastic window?
 
According to a study by Shred-it UK, it takes 70% less overall energy and water to recycle paper than to create new. As an example recycling a ton of paper saves over 17 trees from being harvested.
 
Most council recycling centres have the ability to help with this with the use of their specialist machinery. These plastic windows can be carefully removed by melting the adhesives thus separating from the envelope itself.
 
As well as the adhesive, additional objects like staples, paperclips and much can be removed during this process, prior to the final recycling procedure.
 
To find out more check your local authorities website via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/recycling-collections