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A quick introduction to paper and cardboard recycling
REMONDIS Integrated and Managed Services // 6 October 2021
Australians use over 4.5 million tonnes of paper and cardboard each year
Australia is a world leader in paper recycling – recycling approximately 87%
Every Australian consumes around 230kg of virgin paper each year
ARTICLE
Environmental impact of paper & cardboard
The production of paper and cardboard requires large volumes of energy, water and trees.
Natural fibre for paper and cardboard is predominately sourced from trees. The production of paper and cardboard involves mechanical and/or chemical means to pulp a natural resource into a useable product.
- To produce 1 tonne of paper approximately 20 fully grown trees are required
- Producing 1 tonne of paper uses over 90,000 litres of water
- Manufacturing 1 tonne of paper produces 1.46 tonnes of greenhouse gases
- 1.9 million tonnes of paper ends up in landfill each year
Alternatively, recycling paper uses up to 50% less energy and 90% less water than making virgin paper from raw materials.
By recycling cardboard, you can help reduce these greenhouse gases and the number of new trees required to create the same products. Happily, cardboard is one of the easiest materials to recycle.
Cardboard and paper collection bins
Mixed cardboard and paper bins
As the name suggests, these bins can accept both paper and cardboard. Importantly, you should flatten cardboard boxes to minimise airspace paper only bins.
| Allowed in mixed bins: | Prohibited in mixed bins: |
| Cardboard | Wet cardboard |
| Newspapers and magazines | Receipt paper |
| Office paper | Laminated paper |
| Shredded paper | Adhesive or duct tape |
| Envelopes | General waste |
| Books | Hazardous materials |
| Dangerous goods |
Paper-only bins
These are generally wheelie bins that are found within offices and can only accept paper
Secure document destruction bins
These are also generally wheelie bins in office environments. Any materials placed into these bins is securely destroyed at specialised facilities. They are used for sensitive documents and, as a specialised service, are a more expensive option.
On site baling or compaction
For very large producers of paper and cardboard, there may be financial benefits to bailing or compaction using specialised equipment. The use of this equipment will depend on the amount of cardboard and paper waste generated, space available on site, and operational needs.
How is paper and cardboard recycled?
Most (but not all) cardboard and paper is recyclable. Paper and cardboard is biodegradable and has a high emission factor when it breaks down in a landfill.
By recycling cardboard, you can help reduce these greenhouse gasses and reduce the number of new trees required to create the same products.
Cardboard and paper processing, simplified
- Collected paper and cardboard is transported to a recycling plant where it is separated into types and grades
- Washed to remove inks, plastic film, staples and glue
- Placed into a large holder where it is mixed with water to create ‘slurry’
- By adding different materials to the slurry, a range of paper products can be created such as cardboard, newsprint or office paper
- The slurry is spread into thin sheets using large rollers
- The paper or cardboard is left to dry before it is rolled up ready to be cut and sent back into the market
Paper and cardboard recycling: best practice for customers
- Print less paper
- Keep contamination out of bins
- Remember paper can be mixed with cardboard in a cardboard bin, but paper-only bins can only accept paper
- Break down boxes to reduce air space
- Consider bailing for large volume
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