The need for paper recycling is growing bigger because of its economic and environmental benefits. This process started some decades ago to cost save on a lot of paper wastage, mostly in industries and institutions. Only three categories of paper can be recycled for reuse, namely pre-consumer paper wastes, mill broke paper wastes, and lastly post-consumer wastes. The first category includes all paper waste materials that remained on the mill. The second category includes all types of paper trimmings and scraps usually collected from the manufacturing point. The last category includes all types of paper wastes that are discarded by consumers after usage, such as books, newspapers, and magazines.
The process of recycling paper waste is very elaborate; it starts by the first separating the waste paper for recycling into various grades and types. This process is followed by washing of the waste with soapy in order to remove plastic film, ink, glue, and staples; this process is known as de-inking. The paper is then bleached before being made into new recycled paper for various consumptions, such as manufacture of certain products like wrapping materials, magazines, and books.
The rationale for paper recycling is based on the fact that it helps save plant, money, and time. The industrial process of making paper using new plant materials has severe effects on the environment; the negative environmental effect is felt both on downstream where waste are disposed and upstream where materials are acquired. Today, about 40% of paper pulp comes from forest woods; therefore, recycling waste papers help save toes of woods that would have been felled by loggers. In conclusion, recycling of waste paper help save mature trees and millions of gallons of water; it is an environmentally friendly activity.