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PAPER
Paper is made from cellulose fibre, which is derived from pulped
wood. In Northern Ireland, nearly 20% of the material in our bins
is paper. Most recycling schemes in the province collect paper,
and some areas have a specific wheelie bin for paper. Trees for
making paper are now usually grown in ‘sustainable forests’,
with new trees being planted to replace those cut down. Apart from
saving trees, there are other reasons for recycling paper:
• The loss of wildlife and ecosystems when deforestation
occurs.
• Natural forests are replaced with managed ones –
often with trees that are not native species.
• Deforestation can lead to problems such as flooding, and
loss of nutrients in the soil.
• The amount of paper going to the landfill is reduced.
• Recycling paper produces less pollution and uses less energy
than making it from the raw material.
When paper is collected for recycling it goes through several processes.
Once it reaches the paper mill, the paper is shredded, beaten into
a fibrous pulp and mixed with water and chemical preservatives in
pulping machines. All the contaminants are removed e.g. staples
or plastic, and the fibres are cleaned. Depending on the grade of
paper being produced, quantities of new pulp from wood may be added.
Some papers, such as newsprint can be made from 100% recycled paper.
The pulp is then pressed through giant rollers that flatten it into
sheets and squeeze out the water; it may also be dried in furnaces,
with blasts of hot air.
Things to remember:
• Make sure you buy recycled paper in the first place!
• Milk and juice cartons contain other materials as well
as paper – usually plastic and aluminium foil. This means
that they can’t be recycled.
• Use paper properly –
save small scraps for writing memos etc instead of using new sheets.
Paper collected by Bryson House for recycling are sent to a company
in England. The paper is recycled and often returns to Northern
Ireland as a lower grade material to make newspapers, telephone
directories and paper towels for bathrooms.
CLICK HERE FOR SOME RECYCLING
FACTS ON PAPER
next: Aluminium and steel
cans
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