Tips on Recycling Mail

Paper has a long lifespan and can be recycled several times before finally breaking down into pulp too small to use. Paper products currently make up about 40 percent of solid waste in the U.S. Still, recycled paper is attractive to all parts of the market. Companies use less energy and fewer resources when using paper made from recycled materials, and consumers, in turn, benefit from those savings.

Best Way to Recycle Mail or Mixed Paper

The issue of what to do with old paper, though, can be a little tricky. Only clean paper can be recycled. For example, once that newspaper goes into the birdcage, consider it trash. On the other hand, it is rather easy to reuse cardboard boxes until they wear out, or re-print on the backsides of office paper without compromising their recycling potential.

Know Your Local Paper Recycling Rules

Most municipalities accept all types of mixed paper products, with the possible exception of cardboard products. You can use Earth911’s recycling search to check your local cardboard recycling protocol.

General Tips:

• In many cases, whether you have curbside pickup or make the trips to a recycling facility, you will be asked to sort your paper products. This streamlines the recycling process, saving time and money.
• Sorting expectations vary by region, so check to see how it’s done before accidentally throwing everything together or taking the trouble to sort it all for no reason.
• Try to keep stray items – such as staples, paper clips, tape or other contaminates – out of your recycling materials, as these also hinder the recycling process.
• Corrugated cardboard may need to be cut, flattened or tied. See Earth911’s cardboard resources for more information.