Newspaper Recycling Facts

Newspaper recycling rates have more than doubled since the 1980s. The atmosphere, environment and planet depend on resources such as trees to survive. Paper remains a product used by many, even in this technological age. Newspapers use a type of paper called newsprint. This paper can be made primarily from recycled newspapers to greatly reduce the environmental impact of its production.

Significance

Wood pulp, used in the production of paper, comes from trees. Recycling newspapers cuts down on the amount of wood pulp needed to make newsprint. It takes just 1/3 as much recycled newspaper as it does new wood pulp to create newsprint paper. Additionally, it takes 23 percent less energy to recycle newspapers into newsprint than it does to create new paper (See Reference 1). 73 percent of today's newspapers are placed into recycling bins across the country and 30 percent of that goes to making newsprint (See Reference 2).

Features

Not all recycled newspapers become newsprint. Recycled newspapers also become egg cartons, cereal boxes, pencils, grocery bags, tissue paper, writing papers, Sheetrock surface and cellulose insulation (See Reference 3). Hydromulch, a green seed-containing product often seen sprayed onto the sides of roadways to help prevent erosion is also made from recycled newspapers. A slurry made from the papers contains seeds, fertilizer and water, which is used to assist in the growth of grass or wild flowers in difficult growing areas.

Function

The process for recycling newspapers takes the newspapers full circle from the newspaper production building and right back to it as newsprint ready to be printed again. Newspapers collected in recycling bins first arrive at a processor who sorts them to remove any unsuitable inserts. After shredding, the paper is mixed with water to create a pulp. After the pulp softens, screens and cleaners remove ink and contaminants such as glue. Hydrogen peroxide added to the pulp whitens it after which rollers flatten it and squeeze out excess water. Then the dried, cut and baled paper is sent to the newspaper production buildings to be printed as fresh newspapers (See Reference 2).

Considerations

Newspaper contains enough fiber to recycle 4 to 7 times before the fibers break down. One ton of recycled paper creates 700,000 fresh newsprint pages or 150 copies of the Sunday paper (See Reference 2). Because many people have turned to online newspaper reading, newspaper consumption has dropped. For this reason, newspaper-recycling efforts may have reached their upper limits.

Types

You can recycle newspapers by using them for other purposes as well. Newspaper offers an effective weed deterrent when used as mulch around plants. It can be covered with soil or compost. Cover plants during heavy frost with newspaper to prevent damage. Make gift wrap out of newspaper or clean glass doors, windows and mirrors with for streak-free shine. Newspaper makes an excellent absorbent pet box liner or can be placed in suitcases, shoes and drawers to deter odor. Fireplace logs and drop cloths are other uses for your recyclable newspapers.