Benefits of Paper Recycling

B EN EFITS O F PA P ER R EC YC LIN G
Recycling paper conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces greenhouse
gas emissions, and keeps landfill space free for other types of trash that can't be
recycled.
Recycling one ton of paper can save 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 380 gallons
of oil, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space and 4,000 kilowatts of energy & reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by one metric ton of carbon equivalent (MTCE).
RECYCLING PAPER HELPS THE ENVIRONMENT:
It is easy to assume that the small amount of material recycled in an individual
office makes little difference environmentally. However, reproducing the effort of
one business through the country leads to major improvements in the
environment. The Australian Conservation Foundation has found that one tonne of
recycled paper saves over 31,000 litres of water, 4,100 kilowatts of electricity and
at least 13 trees. In a country as dry as Australia and with the threat of global
warming, any savings are a significant contribution to improving the
environment.
RECYCLING REDUCES WASTE AND
IMPROVES EFFICIENCY
Recycling material reduces waste. For example, recycling
paper reduces the amount that goes to landfill. This in turn
reduces the amount of waste produced by the company. Many
garbage disposal companies cost their services according to
weight or number of pickups per week. Recycling can reduce
rubbish and the cost of waste services.
R EC YC LIN G PA P ER P R O M O TES A C LEA N
G R EEN IM A G E
A trustworthy image is vital for a business. Promoting the
companys use of recycled paper can enhance that image. A
note on office stationery that the company uses recycled
paper, shows that the enterprise is a responsible corporate
citizen. Consumers are attracted to companies with a high
degree of responsibility and reliability. Thus promoting a
S A V ES S PA C E IN LA N D FILLS
Paper makes up about 28 percent of solid trash in landfills and one ton
of paper takes up about 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, according to

the EPA. Recycling paper and cardboard saves space in landfills for
trash that cannot be recycled and saving space in landfills reduces the
need to build more landfills. Many communities oppose the building
of new landfills in their neighborhoods.
SAVES ENERGY AND WATER
Making recycled paper pulp, compared to generating pulp from trees
and other plants to make new paper products, consumes less energy
and water. Recycling one ton of paper saves energy equivalent to the
energy needed to power the average U.S. home for six months and
saves about 7,000 gallons of water. Making recycled paper into new
paper products saves energy and water because the number of energyintensive steps and processes that use water are reduced.
REDUCES GREENHOUSE GASES

Recycling paper reduces methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
When paper decomposes anaerobically in landfills, it produces the gas

methane. Methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, together with carbon
dioxide contribute to global climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide
and when they are cut down to make paper products, more carbon
dioxide is released than absorbed. Processing wood to make paper pulp
using fossil fuel-based energy releases additional carbon dioxide.
According to the EPA, recycling one ton of paper can reduce greenhouse
gas levels by one metric ton of carbon equivalent.
PRESERVING RESOURCES
Recycling paper preserves trees and forests. Every ton of recycled paper
saves about 17 trees. Recycled paper serves as an environmentally
friendly resource for paper manufacturers, saving costs and energy.
However, paper can only be recycled five to seven times before the
paper fibers become too short. Material consisting of short fibers can be
composted, burned for energy or used as landfill.
RECYCLIN G TH E W ASTE PAPER BEN EFITS TH E

EN VIRO N M EN T
Recycling reduces pollution because trash isnt being burned and
manufacturers can reuse materials instead of creating new ones which is

more energy efficient.
If even half of the people in the india recycled regularly, greenhouse gas
emissions would be reduce to the equivalent of taking 25 million cars off
of the road.
If a paper company has the resources to produce papers from recycled
material it will reduce their energy consumption by 95%. For plastic
bottles, recycling saves the company up to 70% in energy usage.
Recycling hazardous waste prevents it from going into the landfill where
it seeps into the ground and damages the local ecosystem and water
supply.
Speaking of ecosystems, recycling substantially cuts back on logging and
mining which are destructive to wildlife habitats

Benefits of Paper Recycling

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B EN EFITS O F PA P ER R EC YC LIN G

Recycling paper conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces greenhouse

RECYCLING REDUCES WASTE AND

of paper takes up about 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space, according to

REDUCES GREENHOUSE GASES

When paper decomposes anaerobically in landfills, it produces the gas

RECYCLIN G TH E W ASTE PAPER BEN EFITS TH E

manufacturers can reuse materials instead of creating new ones which is

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