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How to recycle paper in India

8th July 2022

Paper recycling in India

In India, we have a unique situation when it comes to waste management. Do we segregate waste in India? Yes, large urban centres have learned to segregate waste. Is it effective? No, we still mix dirty paper as dry waste and introduce contamination into the dry waste stream. Since many confusing situations can arise out of non-standardized practices and the sheer size and  scale of our country. Let’s take a look at the most common forms of paper waste that we produce and how we can lessen their impact on the environment. 

The basics of paper recycling

It is crucial to bring the levels of contamination in dry waste down to 1%. Fun fact: China, the main global buyer of recycled paper products has stopped accepting any paper bales with a contamination rate of 1% or higher. It’s simple: the most important thing about recycling paper is that there is that no contaminants are present on the paper. Contaminants, especially food, need to be completely removed from paper to help ensure that it can be reused. Bottles, cans, liquids and dabbas need to be emptied of all liquids and washed and dried. 

Cardboard boxes

The boom in online shopping has ensured that we are using more cardboard boxes than ever before. It’s also highly important to implement the best practices while recycling cardboard. 

How to recycle cardboard?

It is not crucial, or feasible to remove taps and labels from cardboard, but it’s important to either preserve the boxes in their original shape or break them down as much as possible. Before tossing the used cardboard boxes in the bin, it’s important to try and sell them to a local paper buyer who might be able to reuse the. Remember, recycling is the last resort. The best approach is to use the boxes as much as possible, even in forms such as art projects and other hobbies to help maximize their longevity. 

Brown paper

Brown paper is completely recyclable, but it’s important to remember to try and reuse it before you recycle it. When disposing of brown paper, do your best to ensure that all contaminants such as food, tape and staples are removed. 

Printer Paper

Remember this as a rule of thumb - printer paper, bills, notebook paper and any other form of common sheet paper can be recycled. Some people believe that it is hard to recycle crumpled paper, but this is just an urban myth. 

Looking to buy recycled A4 paper online? Check out our recycled A4 paper.

Shredded Paper

If there ever was a big no-no when it came to recycled paper, it’s shredded paper. The fibres in shredded paper are too short for recycling, and this means that it cannot be recycled. Shredded paper can jam the machinery in a paper recycling mill and is best avoided. 

Tetra Paks

Tetra Paks are mixed materials which have aluminium linings sandwiched between the layers of paper. Whether or not Tetra Paks can be recycled depend on the recycling plant at which they are being handed over. 


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