Paper Recycling

Paper recycling is extremely easy and worthwhile, all by just following a few simple steps.

Helping Out the World

Paper recycling can make a real difference, and recycling your used paper is extremely easy to do. Buying recycled paper is also a great way to help the environment.

Paper recycling has become common place in many households throughout the world, as it was one of the first products which many consumers realized was suitable for recycling and were actively encouraged to recycle. Paper recycling boxes have been around for many years in offices and schools around the country.

Is All Paper the Same?

The answer to that one is definitely no. In fact it is important to segregate the paper for recycling, as by mixing colors and types you can make the paper much less useful for recycling purposes.

Shredded Paper

Shredded paper is much less valuable for paper recycling, because you have effectively shortened the length of the fibers in the paper. Shredded paper is not even allowed at some recycling centers as it has to be sorted out before the recycling process can begin, so check that out. Here’s an interesting fact: plain white computer paper can be recycled up to 6 or 8 times, but shredded paper can only be recycled once at most.

Brightly Colored Paper

This can also cause problems at the paper recycling center. Just one piece of brightly colored paper can spoil a whole batch of recycled paper. Pastel paper is much more recycling friendly, if you particularly don’t like to use white.

Milk and Juice Cartons

You need to check out with your paper recycling center as to whether or not they will accept these items. It’s a matter of individual recycling center policies. However, if you are permitted to recycle your milk and juice cartons they need to be thoroughly washed beforehand.

Pizza Boxes

Pizza boxes are not welcome at most paper recycling centers. While the majority of them have a ‘recycle friendly sign’ it isn’t the box which is the problem, it’s the greasy bits of left over food inside! Paper is mixed with water in the recycling process and as we all know, water and oil don’t mix. Just one greasy pizza box can ruin a whole batch of paper for recycling (same goes for greasy paper plates and napkins too).

It has been estimated that by paper recycling 1 ton of paper it is possible to save up to 17 mature trees, 2 barrels of oil, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space and enough energy for the average American home to have power for around 6 months. That all makes paper recycling seem rather worthwhile, don’t you think?