You can't imagine a life without the use of paper, can you? Whether it's about writing a diary or flipping the pages of a magazine, or reading books, the paper has its importance and applications. 

With the need for paper and conservation of natural resources rising equally, you need to know about the Paper recycling process, that will stop the wastage of paper. 

The common sources of waste papers include:

• Discarded paper materials
• Paper scraps from the paper mill 
• Discarded paper materials

Now, it’s time to go through the Paper Recycling Process Step By Step Guide. 

Process of paper recycling

Most people nowadays are aware that paper is always better than plastic as paper can undergo recycling. But how does it happen? Let’s take you through the process step by step.

Step #1: Collection

This is the first step in the process of paper recycling. It involved the collection of recyclable paper materials. 

• The process involves collecting paper wastes from different sources like residential and commercial places.
• Paper merchants and recyclers will collect paper scraps and materials from commercial points like paper stores, trash bins, and paper scrap yards.

There are also commercial outlets where you can get the paper waste. 

Step #2: Sorting and transportation

Once collected, there will be measurements and gradation for quality. This comes second in the list of the paper recycling process step by step. It is necessary to combine waste papers of the same qualities as the volume of fiber content will be the same on extraction from the pulp. 

Then the manufacturers will haul the collected and sorted materials to the paper mill with recycling facilities. 

On arrival, there will be an assessment of the quality and quantity of the paper and then the company will generate a purchase contract with the recycler. After sorting, there will be sorting of the papers that will get acceptance and rejections. 

For instance, some recyclers will always accept mixed grade collected paper while some will accept only a preferred grade for the paper recycle process. 

Step #3. Shredding and Pulping

Once sorted, the recycler will shred the paper materials down to the smallest bits. On completion of the complete shredding, the recycler adds a large volume of water to the bits along with different chemicals including sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium silicate. 

The purpose is to break down and segregate the fibers from the papers. The slurry solution resulting from this recycle step is called the pulp. It has the consistency of oatmeal and serves as the raw material to make fresh paper. 

The above process of conversion of recovered paper into pulp is called pulping. 

Step #4. Floatation tank/ De-inking

After the formation of pulp, the professionals will remove the larger contaminants and add the pulp into the floatation tank. There will be chemicals and air bubbles inside the tank for removing the inks and dyes. This step secures the whiteness and purity of the final product. 

• The presence of hydrogen peroxide and other whitening agents can enhance the whiteness of the pages if you desire. 
• This step of waste paper recycling will be on bleaching the pulp ill it is ready for the next step, and that will be the final processing stage. 
• Brown paper pulps that usually go into the making of paper towels will never undergo bleaching. 

At this stage of the Paper recycling process steps, the pulp contains 99% water and 1% fiber. With the addition of more new pulp, there will be improvements in the properties. Now, it's ready for the next part. 

Step #5. Drying/ Finishing for reuse

Now the recyclers will pass the pulp over the rollers to press out any trace of water. Some companies use the vibrating machine for producing a product containing water and fibre in equal proportion. If you want to add more smooth texture or add strength to the paper you have to add virgin wood fibres. 

The sheets will then pass through steam-heated rollers to form the ultimate rolls of the continuous sheets that represent flattened paper.

The Advantages of recycling paper

The description of the procedure above certainly shows that the process of recycling is not a simple one. But the accomplishment of the process every time can contribute to greater benefits to the world. 

Let's show you how is that possible. 

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Advantage #1. Saves space in the landfills

With the growing amount of waste deposition in the landfills, it is the responsibility of every individual to plan how to minimize the deposits in the landfills. Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before the landfills will be overflowing.

Recycling will save the space in the landfills where other more toxic wastes can get space after removal. 

Advantage #2. Saves energy and water

The paper production process is energy-consuming. Recycling is also responsible for the consumption of energy, but that will be minimum. You can save almost 70% of energy through recycling. 

You also won't need gallons of water in recycling as you do for the production of first-hand paper.

Advantage #4. Reduces Greenhouse Gases

The recycling process is highly effective in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. These gases are harmful air pollutants. The energy consumption during the paper production process is considerably high, leading to an increase in greenhouse gases. 

Recycling shows the path to lessening pollution levels with control of the emission of greenhouse gases that can cause global warming. 

Advantage #4. Preserving resources

Do you support cutting down more and more trees to make paper? If not, then do support the recycling process that can play a vital role in stopping deforestation. Each year, people cut down thousands of trees to make paper. 

But this slaughtering leads to quick deforestation. Play your role in the conservation of natural resources by supporting paper recycling.