Does Paper Actually Get Recycled? The Industry Answers

Question: You put your recycling in the bin and drop it at the curb. Then what happens? Does it actually get recycled?

Answer: Yes! At paper mills across the country, recycled paper is used to make the essential products millions of people rely on.

Here's how the process works:

After your local recycling hauler picks up your recycling, it’s taken to a materials recovery facility (MRF) where it’s sorted into like things.
 
Workers remove items that shouldn’t be there, also called contaminants. That includes things like plastic bags, holiday lights, diapers and even bowling balls. 

Paper is often separated first and sorted into groups for cardboard, mixed paper, office paper, among others. Then, the paper is baled and shipped to a paper mill where it’s turned into new paper products. 

What can you do to make sure you’re recycling properly? Check your local community’s website to understand what’s accepted in your area. This helps ensure you avoid wishcycling.

Wishcycling is when you put something in your recycling bin hoping it will be recycled. Tossing something in your recycling bin because you think it can be recycled leads to contamination. 

Putting non-recyclables in the recycling bin also clogs up the machines and can possibly injure the operations crew. That includes things like:

• Plastic bags and films
• Wire hangers
• Holiday lights
• Garden hoses

When you recycle correctly, you’re helping us advance a more sustainable future.

And when it comes to paper items: keep them dry and clean, then put them in the recycling bin.