How Recycling Paper Helps the Environment and Protects Our Ecosystem
Recycling paper is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint and support a more sustainable planet. Every day, homes and businesses generate tons of paper waste — and without proper recycling, this material ends up in landfills, contributes to deforestation, and increases pollution.
At MicroShred, we don’t just shred documents — we ensure that all shredded paper is responsibly recycled, giving your waste a second life while helping to protect our planet.
♻️ What Is Paper Recycling?
Paper recycling is the process of converting waste paper into reusable paper products. Instead of ending up in landfills, discarded paper is broken down, cleaned, and remade into new materials like newspapers, office paper, cardboard, packaging, and even tissue products.
Recycled paper is typically collected from:
Mill broke: Scrap paper generated during the paper manufacturing process
Pre-consumer waste: Paper that was discarded before reaching the consumer
Post-consumer waste: Paper that has already been used and thrown away by consumers
All of this is known as scrap paper, and it forms the foundation of the recycling process.
🛠 The Paper Recycling Process: How It Works
While exact methods may vary slightly between facilities, the typical 8-step paper recycling process includes:
Pulping – Waste paper is mixed with water and mechanically broken down into fiber.
Screening – Large contaminants like staples or plastic are removed using fine screens.
Centrifugal Cleaning – Materials denser than paper fibers (like dirt or metals) are separated.
Flotation/Deinking – Ink is removed from paper by air bubbles that lift ink particles to the surface.
Kneading/Dispersion – Remaining contaminants are broken down and removed.
Washing – Tiny particles are filtered out by water being passed through the pulp.
Bleaching (if needed) – Paper is whitened using non-toxic bleaching agents.
Papermaking – The clean pulp is dried and processed into new paper products.
📦 What Types of Paper Can Be Recycled?
Not all paper is created equal, and some facilities accept different materials. However, these are commonly accepted forms of recyclable paper:
White or colored office paper
Envelopes (with or without windows)
Softcover books and manuals
Magazines and newspapers
Greeting cards and Post-it notes
Fax, printer, or copy paper
Manila folders
Flattened cardboard boxes
Want to ensure your business is recycling properly? MicroShred can help guide you through acceptable materials and best practices.
🌱 Why Recycling Paper Matters
Over 90% of paper products are made from wood, and the global demand for paper continues to rise. In fact, about 43% of harvested wood goes directly toward paper production.
By recycling, we reduce the need to cut down trees and decrease the amount of energy, water, and chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
✅ Environmental Benefits of Paper Recycling:
Saves 17 trees per ton of recycled paper
Conserves 60,000 gallons of water
Saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space
Reduces air pollution by 74%
Cuts water pollution by 35%
Reduces energy usage by up to 64%
Whether you’re recycling newspapers, copy paper, or packaging, your actions have a direct impact on forest preservation, cleaner air, and cleaner water.
🔄 Resources Saved Per Ton of Paper Recycled
Recycling just one ton of paper can save:
🌳 17 trees
💧 60,000 gallons of water
⚡ 225 kilowatt hours of electricity
💨 9,000 pounds of steam
🧱 350 pounds of limestone
🗑 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space
🧪 275 pounds of sulfur and other chemicals
Make Recycling Easy with MicroShred
Many communities now offer curbside recycling services — but when you’re also dealing with confidential documents, the safest choice is to shred first.
At MicroShred, we combine secure document destruction with eco-friendly recycling, so you can protect both your privacy and the planet. Whether you’re a business, school, or homeowner, we make it easy to:
✅ Shred sensitive materials
✅ Recycle all shredded paper
✅ Reduce your environmental footprint
📞 Call MicroShred at (305) 999-9254 or 📧 [email protected] to learn how to schedule shredding and participate in responsible paper recycling in your community.