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What is the best way to recycle paper?

The truth is there is no right or wrong answer on how best to recycle paper, however we’ve written an easy guide blog post to help demystify the process.

Here are some general tips for recycling paper:

  1. Check local recycling guidelines. Each local council has its own recycling rules and collection systems. You can usually find this information on your council’s website or by contacting your local recycling center.
  2. Separate paper from other materials. When recycling paper, make sure it’s separated from other materials like plastic, metal, or glass. Contaminated paper, such as paper with food stains or plastic-coated paper, may not be accepted for recycling.
  3. Remove non-paper elements. Before recycling paper, remove any non-paper elements such as paperclips, staples, or plastic windows from envelopes. These can interfere with the recycling process and should be separated and disposed of properly.
  4. Keep paper dry and clean. Wet or soiled paper is harder to recycle and can contaminate other paper in the recycling process. It’s best to keep paper dry and clean to ensure it can be effectively recycled.
  5. Flatten and bundle paper. Flatten paper to save space and make it easier to handle in the recycling process. You can also bundle paper together with twine or place it in a paper bag to keep it organized.
  6. Recycle all types of paper. Most types of paper can be recycled in the UK, including newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, and cardboard. However, some types of paper, such as paper towels, tissues, and wax-coated paper, are generally not accepted for recycling.
  7. Consider reducing paper use. While recycling is important, reducing paper use in the first place is even better. Try to minimize paper usage by opting for digital documents, using both sides of paper when printing, and recycling paper products that you no longer need, such as newspapers or magazines.

Recycle Paper

By recycling paper properly, you can help conserve resources, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the UK. Remember, the specific recycling guidelines may vary depending on your location, so it’s always best to check with your local council or recycling center for the most accurate and up-to-date information on paper recycling in your area.

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