How to Recycle Paper

Last Updated: March 28, 2023 References

Recycling saves the environment, but there’s more to it than just putting your recyclables on the curb. There’s a lot you can do with old scrap paper around your house. Follow these steps to maximize your recycling.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Recycling in the Garden & Garage

1
Turn newspaper and office paper into mulch. Tear the paper into strips, and layer it around your plants. This will help prevent weed growth and will keep the soil moist. The paper will eventually decompose and help give nutrients to the soil.^{[1]
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- Corrugated cardboard can be effective as well.
- Do not use glossy paper or colored ink.
2
Add newspaper to the compost. Newspaper will add carbon to a well-balanced compost pile, and is classed as “brown.” Check out our guide here on how to build a balanced compost.

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3
Protect against spills. Use old newspaper as a spill guard when performing auto repair or when painting and staining furniture. Use it as a covering for all of your craft projects.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Recycling in the Office

1
Print on the back. Many printers only print on one side. If you’re printing something that doesn’t need to look professional, use an already printed scrap page.^{[2]
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2
Create a notepad. Assemble a stack of once-used papers. Turn them all upside down, then bind the top with staples or brads.^{[3]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Recycling Around the House

1
Make cat litter. Shredded newspaper can be turned into an effective cat litter. All you need is some baking soda.
- Shred the paper, preferably in a paper shredder.
- Soak the paper in warm water. Add a small amount of biodegradable dish soap.
- Drain the water and soak again without the soap.
- Sprinkle baking soda onto the paper and knead the mixture together. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Crumble onto a screen and let dry for a few days.
2
Wrap presents. Use old newspaper to wrap gifts. The Sunday comics are especially effective due to the many colors.^{[4]
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3
Pack a box. Use old paper to stuff a package for shipping. Wrap fragile objects in layers of paper, and fill the gaps in the box with crumbled wads so that everything stays snug.^{[5]
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4
Make a book cover. You can use paper bags to make book covers for your old and new hardbound books that you can decorate however you’d like.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Recycling Through a Waste Management Service

1
Contact your local waste management company. Ask them about their available recycling services, as well as any recycling centers in your area. Ask them for details on what can and cannot be recycled.
2
Know what can and can’t be recycled. Different areas have different policies on what they can accept, but here’s what generally will and will not be taken:
- What you can recycle: Newspaper, magazines, maps, packaging (except frozen food), envelopes, cardboard.
- What you can’t recycle: Waxed paper, laminated paper, pet food bags, food-soaked paper, frozen food boxes.^{[6]
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3
Sort and place your recycling on the curb. If your waste management company offers recycling, then take your sorted recyclables out to the curb in the recycle bins on trash day.
4
Take your old paper to a recycling center. If your local sanitation company doesn’t support recycling, or you have too much to fit into a bin, pack up your recyclables and take them to your local recycling center.

Community Q&A

Question

What happens to the paper I recycle?

Community Answer

It is used to make new paper and the process repeats itself again and again, each time decreasing air pollution.
Question

How can the recycling of paper conserve resources?

Community Answer

Simple: recycled paper is often sold to manufacturers. They dump the paper in a water tank to turn it into pulp, clean the pulp, filter it, and then manufacture the recycled pulp like it was the fresh stuff. Typically it's a little cheaper as well because you're not having to go through whole process of buying wood from lumber yards and milling an entire tree down.
Question

How can we recycle paper?

Community Answer

Soak paper in water. Add glue and mix to a pulp. Place pulp at top of a tea towel and spread. For further smoothness, cover with another tea towel and use a rolling pin, then iron it until it dries.