How to Sort Paper Products for Recycling

When it comes to recycling, all types of paper are not created equal. Some types of higher quality paper are worth more and should be sorted separately from lower quality paper. It is important to understand the differences between the types of paper and paperboard products and to determine how these products should be sorted for recycling in your community or workplace.

Instructions

Paper Recycling at Home

• 1

  Contact the Department of Public Works in your community to determine how you should sort your paper products for recycling. Some cities and towns are now using mixed recycling containers so that residents do not need to sort paper, glass, and plastics separately. Other communities have strict recycling guidelines that must be followed in order to have recyclables picked up curbside, such as breaking down cardboard boxes and binding them with twine.

• 2

  Check paper products for food or grease contamination, as these are not eligible for recycling and must be discarded. In addition, plastic inserts and rubber bands should be removed from newspapers and magazines prior to placing them in your recycling bin.

• 3

  Learn to identify the types of paper and cardboard not eligible for recycling. Milk and juice cartons that have been coated with wax are not recyclable and must be discarded. In some communities, cardboard boxes cannot be sorted with paper products for curbside pickup and must be recycled elsewhere.

Paper Recycling in the Office

• 4

  Set up a paper recycling center that has two distinct bins--one for office paper and the other for mixed paper, newspapers, and other types of paper products. Because of the high value of printer and copier paper, it is important for it to be sorted and collected separately.

• 5

  Locate a paper dealer in your area that will pick up and compensate you for your paper products. Before committing to a company, make sure you ask plenty of questions so that you understand the company's terms, methods of handling confidential materials, and potential charges.

• 6

  Give each employee recycling containers to keep by their desks and to encourage their participation in the recycling program. The more convenient you make it for your employees to recycle, the more likely they will be to participate.