How is Paper (One of The Most Renewable Resources) Recycled?

The Recycling Process

Paper recycling is a remarkable process that transforms used paper into fresh, usable material. Whether you’re recycling at home or on an industrial scale, the steps are essentially the same. So, let’s dive into the paper recycling adventure:

1. Collection:

• It all begins with individual users—homes, businesses, universities, and industrial manufacturers—collecting and storing paper waste in bins.

• Recyclers and paper merchants then gather this paper and combine it in large recycling containers.

2. Sorting and Transportation:

• Once collected, the paper heads to a recycling center.

• There, contaminants like plastic, glass, or trash are meticulously removed.

• The paper is then sorted into different grades based on its quality.

• After sorting, the paper is stored in bales until a paper mill needs it.

3. Shredding and Pulping:

• At the paper mill, the collected paper is shredded into small scraps.

• Now comes the magic: Large amounts of water and chemicals (such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, and sodium silicate) are added to the shreds.

• These chemicals further break down the paper into separate fibers.

• The result? A mushy concoction known as pulp—the raw material used to make recycled paper.

4. De-inking:

• If the recycled paper contains ink (which it often does), it’s time for de-inking.

• The pulp is mixed with more water and agitated to remove ink particles.

• This process ensures that the recycled paper won’t have unsightly ink marks.

5. Drying:

• The de-inked pulp is spread out and dried.

• Voilà! We now have recycled paper ready for its next life.

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Fun Facts About Paper Recycling:

• Each metric ton (1,000 kilograms) of recycled paper can save approximately:

  • 19 trees that absorb 127 kilograms of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year.

  • 1,500 liters of oil.

  • 2.68 cubic meters of landfill space.

  • 4,400 kilowatts of energy.

  • 29,000 liters of water.

• Recycling a single run of the Sunday New York Times would save approximately 75,000 trees—enough to absorb 1 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually!

So, the next time you jot down a note or read a recycled newspaper, remember the incredible journey that paper has taken. It’s a small act with a big impact! 🌎🌱