Paper forms higher portion of waste as compared to any other material. Hence, recycling paper can turn out to be extremely beneficial in terms of the cumulative effect of saving trees. Paper recycling means to reprocess waste paper to make a usable paper product. But, paper can be recycled a finite number of times only as its fibers become weaker with recycling and require to be mixed with some virgin pulp. This is also known as downcycling. There are no specific standards set for the percentage of virgin pulp or post consumer paper to be present in the recycled paper and the percentage may vary 10:90 and vice versa. Though, the rest of the material can be used in the form of compost or biogas.

Nearly all types of paper can be recycled today like newspapers, magazines, cardboard, pamphlets, white paper etc. But, depending on the different types, they are recycled into different products and some may be harder to recycle than others. Papers with ink need to be deinked before recycling. Though filters can be removed from papers before recycling; removing wax, plastic or alluminium foil from papers is too expensive. Gift wrapping paper too can’t be recycled. While old newspapers can be used to make newsprint or egg cartons, high grade white paper can be processed into new paper products, books etc.

Recycling Paper can prove to be very advantageous as every little bit matters.

Some facts about saving one tonne of paper:

• 17 trees are saved
• About 1438 litres of oil is saved
• At least 30000 litres of water is saved
• Approximately 4000 KWh electricity is saved
• Prevents 95% of air pollution which would have otherwise been caused
• 3 cubic yards of landfill space can be saved

Benefits:

i) Recycling can help save money for trash disposal especially in offices, where paper forms bulk of the waste.

ii) Recycling will help in avoiding paper to be sent to landfills which help in saving space. Also, since paper is biodegradable. When it rots, it produces greenhouse gas methane and hence these emissions can be avoided by recycling.

iii) Recycling helps in avoiding sending paper to incineration facilities, thus, reducing pollution. The reduction in air pollution is approximately 90%.

iv) As compared to production of virgin paper, production of recycle paper saves energy especially in the manufacturing process which is 30-40% less.

v) Manufacture of recycle paper requires lesser chemicals as compared to making new paper.

Hence, there is a need for everyone to make their share of difference towards paper recycling for a sustainable future. But recycling doesn’t end just by sending your bulk of paper for the same, utilizing the same paper is also important to create a balance between demand and supply of this paper which would in fact subsequently reduce the cost of the paper.