Everything You Should Know About Paper Recycling: Process, Benefits and Importance

Do you know how noble it is considered to recycle waste? Save the Mother Nature; it is our first & foremost duty! Three types of paper can be used to make the recycled paper:

• Mill broke- Paper trimmings or paper scrap generated during manufacture of paper
• Pre-consumer waste- Paper that was manufactured, but was discarded before consumer use
• Post-consumer waste- Paper which was discarded after consumer use

Note: Paper which can be recycled is known as scrap paper.

The Process of Recycling Paper

Majorly five steps are there in the paper recycling process, which can slightly differ from company to company, such as:

1. Collection

Isn’t it obvious that we require waste paper to recycle and reuse paper? The paper merchants collect waste paper from trash bins, yards, and commercial outlets to deposit it in large recycling containers. These containers are sent to the recycling facility for the next step.

2. Sorting

The waste paper from the containers are sorted first, i.e. other waste materials are separated, and then the waste paper is separated into different types and grades (surface treatment and structure) for further assessment. It is essential because it allows the facility to manufacture different grades of materials from waste paper.

3. Shredding and pulping

After the sorting is complete, shredding is the next step. It ensures the breakdown of paper into smaller bits, and then it is mixed with chemicals and water to break down the paper fiber materials. This step is known as pulping. The pulp is passed through large screens to remove larger contaminants like plastic film. Many paper recycling specialists like TDS Safeguard Ltd. ensures to protect your sensitive and private information contained in the documents to be shredded.

4. Filtering, cleaning, and de-inking

To filter the pulp from other foreign substances like glue or tape, a centrifuge-like process is used. A floatation device is used to de-ink the paper. It is made up of chemicals and air bubbles that not only remove the ink but also enhance the purity and whiteness of the paper. Hydrogen peroxide is used to bleach the paper.

5. Reuse

The last step involves solidifying the pulp to make usable paper. The clean pulp is blended with new materials & spread on a flat conveyor belt and heated cylindrical surfaces. It is then passed through a machine which presses the excess water out of the pulp. The dry, solid pulp is passed through steam heated cylinders to produce long sheets of paper which can be used for multiple purposes like newspaper printing and printing papers.

Benefits of Paper Recycling

1. Saves landfill space
2. Saves water and energy
3. Reduces greenhouse gases
4. Preserves resources

Facts about Paper

1. Recycling of 1 ton of paper saves up to 17 trees, 320 gallons of oil, 7000 gallons of water, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space and 4000 kW of energy.
2. 115 billion sheets of paper are used for personal computers around the world.
3. 40% recycled paper is used in Australia for Newspaper manufacturing. Australia uses millions of tons of recycled paper.
4. It takes 7 days for a recycled newspaper to return as a newspaper.
5. The paper can be recycled for approximately 7 times before it turns to complete waste.
6. Paper recycling produces 73% less air pollution.

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change with the introduction of more efficient paper recycling methods and uses.

Importance of Paper Recycling

The wonderful benefits and mind-blowing facts prove why it is vital to encourage paper recycling in every area around the world. With increasing population, our needs are growing too! This has resulted in various advancements in every industry there is! Most of these industries require tons of paper, and if paper recycling methods are not practiced effectively around the world, then the amount of pollution and waste generated along with depletion of resources will become extremely high; leading to severe environmental consequences. The need to control our consumption or be smart about it is right now, so dispose of paper waste in trash bins to ensure collection for the recycling process.