We all know that recycling is good for the planet, and we all know which types of recyclables go in which containers. But do we know what exactly happens to those items after our business recycling service takes them away? Paper recycling is an important part of being eco-friendly, but most people don't know exactly what happens to their recycled papers, cardboard, and other waste. Let’s look at how paper is recycled, so we can better understand the positive impact we are having on the environment.

Disposal

The first part of the recycling process comes down to us, the consumers. We sort recyclables by paper, plastic, and glass, so they can more easily be sorted at a recycling facility. After the sorted paper is picked up by a business recyclables service, it is taken to a recycling plant where it is sorted again by type of paper. This sorting at the recycling facility is important because different types of paper will go on to be reconstituted as different products.

Pulping

After the paper has been sorted and separated according to its type and grade, the paper is washed thoroughly to remove any ink, tape, glue, staples, etc. This soaking and washing separates the paper from the waste, so that only the paper remains to be reconstituted. After the paper has been soaked, it is then turned into a pulp, called surry. This pulp is then separated into batches, which will become different types of paper.

Reconstitution

Once the paper has been soaked and pulped to become surry, different additives are added to make different types of paper products. Once these additives have been mixed in, the paper is then rolled into sheets to dry. Once the surry has dried it is then paper (or cardboard), and can be sent out to different companies and facilities to be made into different usable products such as plain paper, cardboard boxes, paper toiletries, etc. By recycling paper, we can have a direct impact on the environment. If you run a company that uses a significant amount of paper each day, recycling can have a big impact. By working with a waste management company for your document shredding and records disposal needs, you can ensure that your recyclables are in fact getting to a recycling facility, giving you peace of mind that your business is making an impact. To discuss business recycling services, give BWS a call today at 800-660-6581!

Share this article:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkediIn

Email