How Do We Recycle Paper?
Recycling paper helps protect our planet. It saves trees, uses less energy, and reduces the amount of rubbish that goes into landfill. Let’s explore how paper recycling works, step by step, in a simple way.
What Is Paper Recycling?
Paper recycling is the process of turning old, used paper into new paper products. Instead of throwing paper away, we give it a second life.
Common items that can be recycled include:
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- School worksheets
- Cardboard boxes
- Envelopes
Step 1: Collecting the Paper
First, people place used paper into a recycling bin instead of a rubbish bin. Recycling trucks then collect the paper and take it to a recycling centre.
Step 2: Sorting the Paper
At the recycling centre, the paper is sorted by type. For example:
- Cardboard is separated from thin paper
- Clean paper is separated from dirty paper
Paper that is too wet, greasy, or dirty cannot be recycled.
Step 3: Shredding and Mixing
The sorted paper is shredded into tiny pieces. These pieces are mixed with warm water to create a thick, soggy mixture called pulp.
Step 4: Cleaning the Pulp
The pulp is cleaned to remove:
- Ink
- Staples
- Glue
- Plastic pieces
This helps make the new paper clean and strong.
Step 5: Making New Paper
The clean pulp is spread out, pressed flat, and dried. Once dry, it becomes new paper that can be rolled, cut, and turned into things we use every day.
What Can Recycled Paper Become?
Recycled paper can be turned into:
- New books and notebooks
- Newspapers
- Toilet paper and tissues
- Cardboard boxes
- Paper towels
Why Is Recycling Paper Important?
Recycling paper:
- Saves trees 🌳
- Uses less water and energy
- Reduces pollution
- Helps keep Earth clean and healthy
How Can You Help?
You can help by:
- Putting paper in the recycling bin
- Keeping paper clean and dry
- Reusing paper when you can
- Reminding others to recycle
