Paper

The majority of paper and cardboard products can be recycled. Papers that are waxed, pasted or coated with plastic are usually not recyclable as the process can be too expensive.

Old newspapers are generally made into new newsprint, egg cartons or paperboard.  Corrugated boxes are made into new corrugated boxes or paperboard.  High-grade white paper can be made into a variety of products including stationery, newsprint, paper for magazines or books.

A local company which collects paper for secure document destruction advises paper is sorted and baled into white and coloured lots. Bales are palleted for transport. White paper goes overseas and gets recycled into white paper again. Coloured paper goes for milling here in New Zealand and is made into cardboard and crates.

Eliminate paper

• use a whiteboard to record your messages and errands
• read the online version of newspapers, magazines and books
• keep in touch with family and friends by email, social networking sites or make that phone call 

Reduce paper

• print only what you need
• set your default printer settings to double-sided at home and at work
• share publications and develop an internal distribution list

Set up a GOOS (Good On One Side) paper box at home and work for single-sided paper. 

Turn single-sided paper into notepads, memo cubes, shopping lists.

Use single-sided paper for art and craft projects (paper pirate hats, origami, papier maché).

Paper can be ripped up into small pieces and fed into a compost bin or worm farm.

Make your own paper.

Paper can be recycled at the Whanganui Resource Recovery Centre. Sort paper into newsprint and mixed paper and place in the appropriate cage. Keep paper flat, i.e. do not fold or scrunch.

Where does all this paper go?

Reuse or recycle in preference to sending to landfill.