SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA
 
Waste Recycling Equipment, Products, Services, Information and Related Resources

PAPER RECYCLING

Paper provides the best opportunity to participate in recycling because of its mass percentage of the municipal waste stream. Millions of tons of paper are produced each year in the form of books, magazines, newspapers, packaging, and other products.

A ton of recycled paper saves thousands of gallons of water, over 3 cubic yards of landfill space, and enough energy to power a house for six months.

Recycled paper can be used to create other paper products, or some of the following:

Bandages

Dust masks

Lamp shapes

Coffee filters

Egg cartons

Car insulation

Masking tape

Hospital gowns

RECYCLABLE PAPER TYPES

There are five different types of paper materials that are used for various products.

1.      Old Corrugated Containers (OCC):  This paper grade is used to make cardboard containers and boxes. This grade generally includes cereal boxes, shipping boxes, and other types of packaging.

2.      Mixed Paper: Composed of magazines, catalogs, and paperboard, this grade is milled and generally used as a secondary fiber or as pulp to create non-paper recyclables such as insulation, wallboard, and egg cartons.

3.      Old Newspapers (ONP):  This grade mainly uses recycled newspapers to create new print, though some ONP will be used as secondary fiber in tissue or paperboard.

4.      High Grade Deinked Paper: Printing Paper, letterhead, and standard copy paper comprise this grade, which is generally processed to become new printing paper.

5.      Pulp Substitutes:  Paper mills and print shops create shavings during processing, which become pulp substitutes.  This grade is used to re-create high grade paper products.

ENCOURAGE PAPER RECYCLING

Consumers are surrounded by opportunities to implement paper recycling at home, at work, at school, and within their community. 

Organize and plan for paper recycling.  Determine what types of paper waste your site generates, how and when to collect, and when it will be picked up.

If organizing for a school, consider creating a school wide competition or incentive to boost participation.

Colleges and universities generate a large amount of printer paper that is often discarded instead of being recycled.  Make recycling convenient as possible by placing receptacles next to trashcans.  Inquire about any possible financial assistance or incentives for starting a recycling program

In offices, place recycling bins close to printers and copiers.  Create separate recycling bins for white paper, generally higher in value, and color paper.

Educate employees or students if incorporating a new recycling program at school or at the office. Emphasize the benefits, and create an easy way to start.  Clearly label bins and notify people of pickup times.  Continue recycling efforts by providing goals or updates on the progress of the program.

Keep recyclable paper free of contaminants, which could make paper impossible to recycle. Check your local recycling guidelines for specific rules.

Contaminants may include:

       Food boxes or containers such as ice cream cartons and take out boxes and containers.

       Boxes or paper lined with wax.

       Tissues, napkins, and paper towels.

       Photographs printed on glossy or matte film paper.

       Plastic liners from cereal or cracker boxes.

       Mailing envelopes that contain plastic windows or plastic bubble liner.

       Books with adhesive binding.