IF it’s time to clear out your files, make sure that paper goes into a recycling bin!
This is a plea by RecyclePaperZA to South Africans cleaning out their homes and office spaces this festive season.
The paper recycling association said white or office paper is among the least recycled products in the country.
This means that a significant amount of recyclable paper and packaging ends up in landfill sites.
Here are some paper recycling tips:
– Always have a separate bin, box or bag for your paper recycling. This keeps it clean and dry.
– Decide what you will do with your paper recycling – separate it for a waste collector or drop it at a recycling centre.
– Do not mix your paper with other recyclables.
– Get to know what is recyclable and what is not.
Recyclable:
o Office paper
o Cardboard boxes
o Beverage cartons – both long-life milk, juice and refrigerated
o Paper coffee and soft drink cups
o Magazines
o Newspaper
o Paper packaging for cereal, toothpaste, medicine and cosmetics without plastic laminates or excessive foil embellishments.
Not recyclable:
o Foil gift wrapping and foil lined boxes
o Wax coated or laminated boxes such as frozen food boxes
o Empty cement and dog food bags
o Disposable nappies
o Carbon paper
o Sticky notes
Office paper
– Keep white paper in a separate bag to other paper products if you can.
– Avoid crumpling paper into a ball – flat is best as it takes up less space in a waste collector’s trolley.
– Remove plastic covers or binder spines before putting your paper in recycling.
– For confidential documents, it is best to tear these up – preferably down the middle of the page. Shredding often presents problems for recycling operations as it shortens the paper fibres and diminishes the quality of paper for recycling. Shredded paper is also difficult to bale.
Packaging
– Flatten the hoard of cardboard boxes from your online shopping and place them next to your bin on rubbish collection day. Waste collectors will be grateful!
– Remove any plastic elements and recycle these with your plastic if they are recyclable.
Wrapping paper
– Avoid using foil-based gift wrap as this is not recyclable. Opt for patterned paper gift wrap or brown craft paper to package your gift.
Liquid packaging
– Milk, juice, custard and wine cartons are recyclable in South Africa. Empty, rinse slightly, lift the corners, flatten and replace the cap.
– Push straws into little juice boxes.
– Coffee cups are also recyclable.
For more information about paper and paper recycling, visit www.recyclepaper.co.za. You can also visit www.mpactrecycling.co.za for a list of recycling centres and paper banks.
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