You’ve just updated your phone number, moved to a shiny new office or started an exciting new role, first on the to-do list? Ordering a fresh batch of Business Cards. There’s something satisfying about opening a box of crisp, freshly printed cards and seeing your new details in ink.

But, wondering what to do with old Business Cards in your desk drawer? And tossing high-quality paper into the bin just doesn’t feel right. Sure, you could recycle them (depending on the finish), but why not repurpose them instead? 

From practical office hacks to fun creative projects, we’ve rounded up smart, simple ways to give old Business Cards a new lease on life. Let’s get started!

Shop Business Cards

Image Credit – Delicious Reads

Table of Contents

Can you put Business Cards in the recycling bin?

Why Recycle Business Cards?

Practical Solutions for the Office and Home

Artistic creations

Redecorate your Space

Tips for Environmentally Friendly Business Card Printing

Can you put Business Cards in the recycling bin?

Yes, you usually can but it all comes down to the card’s finish. Here’s a simple breakdown on what recycling method would work best for your Business Cards: 

• Standard Uncoated: Good news! These are typically 100% recyclable paper.
• Laminated or Matt Cards: These often have a thin plastic layer. Some recycling facilities can handle them, but many can’t. It’s always a good idea to check with your local centre first.
• Foil or Spot UV Cards: If your cards have shiny metallic bits or glossy raised spots, they might not make it through standard recycling.

Why Recycle Business Cards?

Business Cards are often made from high-quality paper, which makes them durable but also less biodegradable compared to regular paper. Disposing of them carelessly contributes to unnecessary waste. By reusing or repurposing these small but sturdy cards, you’re reducing paper waste and helping to make your lifestyle a little more environmentally friendly.

Want to be even more eco-friendly? Upcycling your old Business Cards is a wonderful alternative to just recycling them. It’s all about giving them a new purpose and a new lease of life. Let’s explore some creative ways to do just that.

Printed.com Business Cards

Practical Solutions for the Office and Home

One of the most effective ways to tackle waste is to turn it into something functional. Rather than buying new stationery supplies, look at your old stack of cards as a free resource. Here are three practical methods to transform your stationery.

1. Repurpose as Branded Bookmarks

Old Business Cards are just the right size and thickness to become fantastic Bookmarks! You can use them as they are, but why not get a little creative and make them more secure so they don’t fall out of your book? Plus, sharing them with friends and family is a wonderful way to spread a little more brand awareness.

2. Design branded Gift Tags

Why not give your old Business Cards a new life as charming Gift Tags? This is a great way to label products and add a unique touch to supplier Christmas presents. Simply cover any outdated contact details, leaving your logo and branding visible. Then, punch a hole for a ribbon or some twine, and voilà! A simple yet brilliant way to reuse and promote your brand.

3. Organise with robust Labels

Organisation is key to a productive workspace. If your outdated cards have a blank reverse side, you have a ready-made supply of sturdy Labels. Simply write your label on the blank white space. You can use these to slip into the clear plastic holders on filing cabinets, stick them onto archive boxes, or tape them to shelves in the supply cupboard.

Image Credit – Bare Bones Chocolate

Artistic creations

If practical organisation doesn’t get your creative juices flowing, perhaps you would prefer to turn that card stock into art. Business cards are often printed on high-quality, rigid paper (usually between 300gsm and 400gsm), which makes them an excellent medium for crafting.

4. Professional Jewellery Backing Cards

If you sell handmade jewellery or need a creative idea for customer giveaways or gifts, a great way to repurpose Business Cards is to use them as jewellery or Pin Backing Cards. It saves you the cost of buying separate new ones and if the front still displays your logo or an appealing design, it adds a polished, professional touch to your presentation.

5. Miniature Origami

Did you know origami works best with thicker paper that holds a crease well? While standard printer paper can be too flimsy, Business Cards are often the perfect weight for modular origami. You can build intricate cubes, swans, or geometric shapes. It’s a fantastic mindfulness exercise for your lunch break or your next team-building activity, and the finished pieces make great desk ornaments.

6. Mixed Media Art and Collages

For years, artists have used recycled materials to create stunning art pieces. Why not use your old Business Cards as a canvas for your next project? You could even challenge your team to create a large collage from their old cards during your next team building day.

Image Credit – Studio Mac

Redecorate Your Space

If you’re looking to refresh your office space and make a bold statement while saving money, these interior design hacks are perfect for you.

7. Create a Feature Wall

Wallpaper made of Business Cards? It sounds strange, but it can look incredibly modern and textured. This works particularly well if the back of your cards is a solid colour or features a pattern.

With a little artistic vision and some patience, you can arrange the cards in a grid pattern on a wall. You could create a version of your company logo or a large scale geometric wave. This creates a 3D, textured effect that standard wallpaper cannot achieve. It is a bold statement piece that is guaranteed to get clients talking when they visit your office.

8. Coffee Table Display

This is an awesome idea often used to showcase magazine covers or collectable postcards, but it works just as well for recycled Business Cards.

If you have a coffee table with a glass top, place a layer of cards underneath the glass. You can arrange them randomly for a “confetti” look, or line them up perfectly for a structured, graphic appearance. It adds a pop of colour to your reception area and shows visitors that you value sustainability and resourcefulness.

9. Festive Christmas Baubles

Who said Christmas decorations need to be expensive? You can deck the halls with your old branding by turning cards into geometric baubles.

There are plenty of tutorials on Pinterest for paper polyhedra. By cutting your cards into circles or triangles and gluing the flaps together, you can form 3D spheres. Hang these from the office Christmas tree for a decoration that is perfectly on-brand and cost-effective.

Image Credit – Etsy

Tips for Eco-Friendly Business Card Printing

1. Use Recycled Paper

Opt for recycled paper stock when printing your Business Cards. This reduces the demand for paper and helps conserve natural resources. Look for some of our eco paper favourites such as Kraft paper, Seed paper, Recycled silk and Recycled Uncoated.

2. Print at Eco-Friendly Printers

Select resourceful printers often use eco-friendly printing practices and equipment. They are more likely to offer plant-based or soy-based inks, recycled paper stock, and other sustainable options.

Here at Printed.com, we’re proud to have a range of eco-friendly options for your next print project. From Leaflets and Greeting Cards to Display Boards and Signage, we’re committed to providing greener material choices across our range.

3. Limit Print Runs

Rather than printing large quantities of Business Cards, print only what you need to avoid excess waste. If your information changes, fewer cards will go unused or discarded.

4. Opt for Smaller Cards

Reducing the size of your Business Cards economises on paper use while still providing all the necessary contact information. Minimalist designs can also make your cards stand out.

By incorporating these environmentally conscious choices into your Business Card printing process, you can showcase your commitment to sustainability while still making a lasting impression.

Giving old cards a new lease of life

Throwing high quality paper in the bin feels like a waste because, well, it is. With a little imagination, your old Business Stationery can be transformed from trash into treasure.

We would love to know what original ideas you can come up with to make your own cards into something spectacular. Just snap a pic of your creations and use the hashtag #ProudlyPrinted on Instagram, you could even be featured on our feed!

Looking to create your own? #LetsMakeItReal

Shop Business Cards