Paper recycling can be defined as converting waste paper into new, useable paper and this process takes only half the energy needed to get new paper. Most garbage consists of one form of paper evidenced by the fact that for every 45 kilos of trash, 16 kilos will be paper.
Paper is usually made from trees but cloth and grass can be used to make paper as well. The entire tree is used in some way. The majority of the tree is chopped into small chips that are eventually turned into paper. Once these chips are processed, bleach can be added to make higher quality white paper. The roots and bark of the tree are used for energy in the paper mill. Many paper manufacturers plant trees solely for the purpose of making paper.
Unlike recycling cans, which can be recycled repeatedly, paper can only be recycled 5 to 6 times. To create new paper the process of mixing old paper in with fresh wood pulp strengthens the recycled paper, making it more durable. But the fibres of the paper can become too weak over time to reuse.
Paper decaying in landfills creates methane, due to its biodegradable nature, which is a factor in the global warming process. Recycling paper means there is less in the landfill and is therefore a benefit to the environment. Because trees are often planted and replanted to make paper, disruption to nature is not always considered a strong reason to recycle.
Recycling is normally a cheaper alternative to conventional trash pickup as well. It takes less energy to recycle paper than manufacturing new, but not as little as other waste recycling products such as metals or glass.
The following are the most frequent types of paper to be recycled – cardboard, magazines, newspapers and construction paper. Not all types of paper are suitable for recycling however. Gift wrapping is one example due a coating of plastic or aluminium in many cases not being suitable for the recycling procedure.
Coloured and white office papers are considered to be of a high grade, whilst magazines and newspapers are instances of lower grade quality paper. It is necessary to separate these different types of paper before recycling.
For ways to recycle paper in your area, there may be drop-off locations where you can leave your waste paper to be used again, or curb side collection may be arranged where your paper can be collected automatically.
Learn more about paper recycling. Stop by Max Marston’s site where you can find out all about computer recycling too.
