How much paper is recycled

Paper recycling has long been a success story in terms of recovery, and one that continues to improve over time. Here are some basic facts and figures pertaining to paper recycling:. Some of the facts and figures mentioned in this article were found at the following locations:.

Be sure to read my article about the logistics of paper recycling , as well as my paper recycling glossary of terms. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Help others learn about paper recycling, Pin the image below. Skip to content. By Kathryn Sukalich Jul 1, paper recycling , paper-recycling-details.

Photo: John Lambert Pearson Additionally, 76 percent of paper mills used some recovered paper in , so the paper you throw into the bin is finding its way into plenty of new products. How is Paper Recycled? Next, the paper is sorted into different grades. Once paper is sorted, it will be stored in bales until a mill needs it, and then it will be transferred to the mill for processing.

Once at the mill large machines pulpers shred the paper into small pieces. This mixture of paper, water, and chemicals is heated and the pieces of paper break down into fibers.

The mixture is pressed through a screen to remove adhesives and other remaining contaminants. Next, the paper will be spun in a cone-shaped cylinder to clean it, and sometimes ink will also be removed.

At this point, the pulp is sent through a machine that sprays it onto a conveyor belt. Heated metal rollers will dry the paper, and the paper will be put onto large rolls, which can be made into new paper products.

Grades of Paper Newspaper is a lower grade paper because it has already been recycled numerous times, while printer paper is higher grade paper. Mixed Paper — This is a broad category of paper that includes things like mail, catalogs, phone books and magazines.

Old Newspapers — This one is pretty self-explanatory. Mills use newspapers, a lower grade paper, to make more newsprint, tissue and other products. High Grade Deinked Paper — This quality paper consists of things like envelopes, copy paper and letterhead that has gone through the printing process and had the ink removed.

At a recycling center, paper is sorted and stored in bales. Most is packaging and junk mail. In , U. Each ton pounds of recycled paper can save 17 trees, gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, kilowatts of energy, and gallons of water. The 17 trees saved above can absorb a total of pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year. Burning that same ton of paper would create pounds of carbon dioxide. Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram. Evansville, IN A Carnegie Foundation Engaged University.