Scrap Paper Recycling

Many of us think of newspapers when we think of recycling paper, but most paper products are recyclable. Since paper accounts for about 35 percent of the municipal solid waste in this country and recycling saves 3.3 cubic feet of landfill space per ton of recovered paper, it makes sense to recycle it.

What Paper is Recyclable

There are five types or grades of paper that are commonly recycled: old corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, old newspaper, high-grade de-inked paper and pulp substitutes. Only the first three are likely to concern the average recycler as the others are by-products of industrial processing prior to further recycling. For the most part, old cardboard or paperboard boxes, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, office papers and discarded mail are recyclable.

Where to Recycle

Recycling centers accept only those kinds of papers that they have equipment to handle. Contact your local recycling centers and ask what papers they collect or process and whether you must pre-sort. To find a recycling center, check the EPA’s paper waste recycling information page —- “Where You Live” —- for links to guide you to an appropriate facility in your community. 

Organizing and Sorting

For any recycling program to work, organization is key. Clearly mark bins and place them in areas where every member of the family can reach and use them. Unless local ordinances require a specific bin, an appropriately labeled, waterproof container near outdoor garbage bins will work for curbside recycling. If you take paper waste to a recycling center yourself, place a large bin in the garage —- where it will be handy for transport —- and empty smaller household bins into it as they fill. Locate the smaller bins near kitchen waste baskets, the printer in your home office or wherever you regularly use paper.

Waste Reduction

Reducing the amount of paper you buy in the first place is the best way to begin. To save forests from unnecessary logging, buy in bulk when possible or buy items with minimal packaging. Take reusable cloth bags to bring purchases home from the store. When buying paper products such as office supplies, household tissues or magazines, look for products made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper.

Reusing and Up-cycling

Most paper is recyclable, but if facilities are unavailable in your area, find other ways to reuse scrap paper around the house, such as lining a table for painting or in potty training a puppy. Scrap paper is also invaluable for “up-cycling” into craft projects. Use colorful photos from magazines in collages or scrapbooking projects, or shredded paper for paper mâché pinatas. Reuse papers printed on one side only for shopping lists or kids’ sketch pads. Even used paper is a valuable resource.

Via Tumblr http://innovativegreenliving.tumblr.com/post/45825698757