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How to Recycle Paper
Collection and Processing
Two basic collection methods for paper recovery are common: Single Stream Collection and Sorted Stream Collection.
Single Stream Collection:
“Single stream” collection programs allow participants to put all recyclable materials (e.g., paper, bottles, cans, etc.) into one collection container. In the case of paper, all grades are mixed together. These materials are then collected and separated, usually at a central point such as a materials recovery facility (MRF). Paper collected in single stream systems may be further separated into various paper grades. For single stream recycling to work, the processing facility must sort the recyclable materials properly and thoroughly to meet market specifications.
Single stream collection has become popular because it:
- Is convenient which has been proven to increase participation rates
- Makes it easy to add new materials to the collection system
- Increases the amount of recyclables collected
- Reduces the number of collection trucks needed
Sorted Stream Collection:
Sorted-stream collection requires that participants place each recyclable material in the appropriate collection bin when they first discard the item. Recovered paper can be collected separately by grade (e.g., white office paper, newspapers, magazines, and corrugated cardboard boxes) or more commonly, collected as mixed paper separated from other recyclable materials.
Some of the benefits of sorted stream collection include:
- Lower levels of contamination at the source
- Higher quality and more valuable recovered material
- Lower costs to process the recovered paper.
Paper recyclers are developing new technologies designed to handle, identify, and separate paper grades for recycling. One enhancement technology allows segregation of paper fibers during the recycling process according to fiber length, coarseness, and stiffness through a sequential centrifuging and screening process.
How To
Check with your county department of public works to find out about local curbside recycling programs and community drop-off centers, or look under "Recycling" in the yellow pages. Also call 1 (800) CLEANUP for state recycling information.
Separate paper into three groups: white office paper, newspaper, and mixed-color paper. Most curbside programs will collect it this way.
Recycle all white office paper (usually from laser printers or copiers) together. Be sure to remove the wrappers they come in. These are a lower grade of paper and cannot be recycled with the white office paper and should be recycled with mixed-color paper.
Take newspapers, and place them in brown bags, which can be recycled with newspapers, or tie them in bundles with twine (a natural fiber). Colored advertising inserts can also be recycled with newspapers. Be sure to remove rubber bands, plastic and anything that is not paper.
Place all mixed-color paper together. This includes anything from magazines to junk mail. Staples do not need to be removed. Remove all plastic stickers, membership cards and anything that is not paper.
Recovered paper and paperboard needs to be clean, dry, and free of contaminants in order for industry to use it as a raw material for making new paper products. Although small amounts of contaminants may be acceptable in certain paper products, steps should be taken to limit contaminates as much as possible.