Paper

Recycling

Aluminum | Plastic | Glass | Paper

Biodegradable Wastes and Landfilling

Left to decompose in a landfill, biodegradable wastes release carbon dioxide and methane, two of the largest contributors to the greenhouse effect in global climate change. According to estimates by The Environment Agency in Britain, biodegradable waste can generate between 200-400m3 of landfill gas per ton (2007). Concern over the negative environmental impact of these emissions and limited landfill space makes the prospect of recycling and its potential energy savings an important tool for waste management.

Benefits of Recycling Paper

One of the largest components of the biodegradable waste stream includes paper and paperboard products which include materials such as newspapers, tissues, and paper plates. Research on recycling has demonstrated the benefits than can be accrued through the recycling of these types of products. In fact, one ton of recycled paper alone can deliver savings that amount to as much as 3000-4000 KWh of electricity, at least 30000 liters of water, and a 95% reduction in air pollution resulting from the production of paper using virgin materials (Waste Online 2006). In fact, it takes between 28-70% more energy to produce paper out of virgin materials than it does from recycled ones. In addition, recycled paper is generally not re-bleached, reducing the need for chemicals such as chlorine as well as the release of endocrine-disrupting dioxins.

Challenges and Limitations of Recycling Paper

Paper cannot be recycled forever.

 Paper is composed of cellulose fiber and each time it is recycled, those fibers become  
 shorter and weaker.  Because of this, paper can only be recycled around 4 to 6 times (Dow 
 Corning Corporation 2007).  

Recycling requires the use of additional virgin materials.

 These virgin materials add to the strength and quality of the fibers in the recycled paper.

Recycling involves the use of corrosive chemicals.

 The ink removal process requires the use of caustic chemicals which decrease the strength 
 of the fibers in the paper and necessitate special waste water treatment.  

Paper Recycling in the U.S.

In the United States, around 44 million tons of paper and paperboard products were recycled in 2006 alone; about a 50% recovery rate (EPA b. 2006). Of the 251 million tons of municipal solid waste generated, 34% was composed of paper and paperboard products. As the largest component of the waste stream, paper and paperboard products achieved one of the highest rates of recovery for recycling. Almost 88% of all newspapers were recycled and close to 66% of high-grade office papers were as well.

Most Frequently Recycled Goods in the U.S. Through Collection Programs (EPA a. 2006)

Demand for Recycled Paper

Demand for recycled paper is on the rise in the U.S. due to a decrease in its cost and growing consumer support for the increased availability of recycled paper products (Thomas 2005). In addition, there are many state-wide and regional initiatives that seek to promote the use of recycled paper products. For example, in New Hampshire, all paper that is bought by state agencies must contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer fiber (Department of Environmental Services 1998). Without the necessary support of consumers who purchase recycled paper products and demonstrate their preference for these goods, the recycling industry cannot survive and compete with products made from virgin materials.

Sources

Dow Corning Corporation. 2007. Showcasing Eco-Innovation: Improving the Paper Recycling Process. Available: http://www.dowcorning.com/content/publishedlit/solarticles/Paper_Recycling.pdf

The Environment Agency. 2007. Environmental Facts and Figures: Landfills. Available: http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/yorenv/eff/1190084/resources_waste/213982/207743/?version=1&lang=_e

EPA a. 2006. Frequent Questions About Recycling and Waste Management. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Available: http://www.epa.gov/garbage/faq.htm

EPA b. 2006. Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2006. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Available: http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/pubs/msw06.pdf

EPA. 2007. Buy-Recycled Series: Paper Products. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Available: http://www.epa.gov/cpg/pdf/paper.pdf

Department of Environmental Services. 1998. New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Available: http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/sw/sw-14.htm

Thomas, J. 2005. Demand for U.S. Recycled Paper High. Treehugger. Available: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/04/demand_for_us_r.php

Waste Online. 2006. Paper Recycling Information Sheet. Available: http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/informationsheets/paper.htm