DTG Recycle Paper Recycling for the Redmond, WA community
Recycling Paper Redmond, WA
Paper Recycling Center Redmond
For 20+ years, DTG Recycle has been providing paper recycling services in Redmond, WA. Whether you want to get rid of used mixed papers, dispose of your old newspapers, or discard old cardboards, our company provides a cost-effective means of used paper disposal in Redmond.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Americans use about 70 million tons of paper each year. You’ll most likely dispose of these paper products once you finish using them. However, tossing those papers into the trash bin means more trees need to be felled and thousands of gallons of water need to be used to produce more paper. Fortunately, DTG Recycle has the right solution. We utilize advanced sorting technologies to recognize and efficiently sort materials.
Do you want to learn how to dispose of used paper properly? Are you curious about how paper is recycled in Redmond, WA? Do you want to know why you should recycle paper? On this page, we’ll explain everything you want to know about paper recycling and what benefits you can gain from it.
How to Dispose of Used Paper for Recycling in Redmond, WA?
When you want to dispose of your old paper, it is important to remember to remove contaminants, check for specific guidelines with your local Redmond recycling center, and put your old paper products in a paper sack in case curbside recycling is not available.
- Remove Contaminants – To ensure successful paper recycling in Redmond, it is important that the paper being placed in the recycling bin is free of any contaminants such as paper clips, food scraps, or grease. These contaminants can cause issues with the recycling machinery and increase the cost of recycling.
- Check Paper Recycling Guidelines – While many types of paper can be recycled in Redmond, it is important to check with your recycling company for specific guidelines on collection, removal, and what can and cannot be recycled. Paper with a plastic, chemical, or wax coating cannot be recycled. These include frozen food boxes, bubble-lined mailing envelopes, wax paper, and photographs. In most cases, staples and sticky notes do not need to be removed before placing used paper in the recycling bin.
- Place Used Paper in a Paper Sack – When curbside recycling is not available, paper can be placed in a paper sack for pickup. To ensure successful pickup of your paper recycling in Redmond, it is important to follow all rules regarding weight limits and bin placement. When a paper sack is used, wait for a dry day to avoid the risk of tearing and littering. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your paper is successfully recycled.
What Type of Paper Products Can Be Recycled?
There is a wide variety of paper that can be recycled. Listed below are the types of paper products that can be recycled at paper mills.
- Writing papers
- Stationeries
- Notebooks
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- White office papers
- Receipts
- Envelopes
- Paperboard boxes
- Phone books
- Catalogs
- Packing and shipping cardboard boxes
- Over-the-counter medicine boxes
How is Paper Recycled by DTG Recycle near Redmond?
Having gained a better understanding of paper recycling, you might be curious about the process behind it. Look no further, here’s a comprehensive guide on how companies recycle paper in Redmond.
1. Collecting Used Paper
The initial stage in paper recycling is to gather discarded paper that can be sent to Redmond recycling centers. To keep it separate from other used products, paper is put into a designated recycling bin. It is important to note that contaminated paper, such as paper soiled with food, grease, or harmful chemicals, can’t be recycled and will be redirected to a landfill. DTG Recycle does not offer a pickup service to recycle paper in Redmond, WA.
2. Sorting
At the recycling center, the papers undergo sorting and separation to distinguish between those that can be recycled and those that must be discarded. Upon being accepted at the Redmond recycling facility, the papers are further categorized based on their quantity and paper value by evaluating the materials used to create them. In many cases, the papers are sorted according to their surface treatment and structure. For example, glossy magazine paper is handled differently than a standard piece of printer paper and needs to be sorted separately.
3. Shredding and Pulping
Once the paper has been sorted and removed of all contaminants, the shredding and pulping process commences. The paper is shredded into tiny pieces before adding water and other chemicals to extract the fibers more thoroughly. This results in a mushy pulp, which serves as the primary raw material for creating new products from recycled paper. The pulp undergoes a rapid cleaning procedure to eliminate any non-paper items, such as paper clips and staple wires, before moving on to the following stage.
4. Screening
At this stage, the pulpy mass is screened by pushing it through screens with various shapes and sizes of spaces and holes. The objective of this step is to eliminate any remaining contamination from the pulp and filter out any unwanted objects.
5. De-Inking and Bleaching (Optional)
De-inking is a process that involves washing the pulp to eliminate printing ink, glue residues, and other adhesives. More extensive cleaning is required for larger and stickier particles, which is known as the floatation process. The pulp is introduced into a floatation vat, where air and surfactants are added. The ink and other particles attach themselves to the air particles and rise to the surface, where they are extracted.
Bleaching is only necessary if the goal is to produce white paper. During this stage, hydrogen peroxide is used to increase brightness, purity, and whiteness. Oxygen or chlorine dioxide is also used alternatively. However, the bleaching process is not necessary if the pulp is being recycled into cardboard.
6. Rolling and Drying
The last step in the paper recycling process is the rolling and drying stage. The pulp is fed through large rollers to extract any remaining moisture before being passed through heated rollers and wound onto a massive roll. These rolls can be as wide as 30 feet and weigh up to 20 tons. The pulp is then subsequently shipped to various manufacturers for use as recycled paper products.
Why Redmond Should Recycle Paper Products?
Here are the benefits of recycling paper products in Redmond:
- Pollution reduction
- Greenhouse emission reduction
- Energy savings
- Tree preservation
- Cost savings
- Job creation and economic growth in Redmond
- Source of income
- Improved standard of living in Redmond
Stats on Paper Recycling
over 50 million tons of paper and paperboard were recycled
In 2021, over 50 million tons of paper and paperboard were recycled, resulting in a recycling rate of 68%. 1 Corrugated boxes had a recycling rate of 96.5%, newspapers had a 64.8% recycling rate, 43.1% for nondurable goods made of paper, and 20.8% for paper containers and packaging, excluding corrugated boxes. 2
Looking for Paper Recycling Near Me in Redmond?
Looking for Paper Recycling Near Me in Redmond? Get a quote for your paper recycling needs, contact us today at (425) 549-4905. Our team at DTG Recycle is happy to cater to all of your paper recycling requirements. Whether you require cardboard recycling, regular paper recycling drop-offs in Redmond, or a one-time service, we are committed to providing our customers with affordable and personalized recycling solutions that meet their unique requirements.
Paper Recycling Drop-off Location in Redmond
See our Redmond location.
Paper Recycling Service FAQs for Redmond, WA Community
Where can I recycle paper in Redmond?
Most recycling centers and curbside pickup programs in Redmond accept paper for recycling. However, it is recommended to check with your local recycling program for their particular instructions on how to recycle paper in the Redmond area.
Can I make money by recycling paper in Redmond?
Some recycling programs in Redmond may provide cash or other rewards for recycling paper. Furthermore, companies that produce significant volumes of paper can sell it to Redmond recycling companies, resulting in a revenue stream. However, the sum of money that can be received can fluctuate due to market conditions and the current price of recycled paper. DTG Recycle does not pay for recycled paper.
Can shredded paper be recycled in Redmond?
In short, yes, shredded paper can be recycled in Redmond like any other paper. However, recycling shredded paper poses three primary challenges for Redmond recycling facilities. Firstly, washed paper pulp is spread out onto large screens to dry in paper mills. These screens require long strands of paper to catch and adhere properly. Shreds of paper are too small and can pass through the screens, causing a clumpy mess. Secondly, the separation of fibers in shredded paper is a time consuming and tedious process that often needs to be done by hand. Due to the extra labor involved, shredded paper is typically considered less valuable than other types of recyclable paper. Thirdly, shredded paper has a tendency to get lost or blown around during the sorting process, posing a fire hazard if it gets caught in machinery.
Can wrapping paper be recycled in Redmond?
To put it simply, wrapping paper can be tricky to recycle in Redmond due to its various additives such as dyes, laminations, and non-paper materials like glitter or plastics. Additionally, many pieces of wrapping paper are made unusable for recycling due to the presence of sticky tape. However, plain, unlaminated paper-based wrapping paper and pre-recycled wrapping paper are generally accepted for recycling in Redmond, WA.
How many times can paper be recycled in Redmond?
A regular sheet of paper made from wood-derived cellulose fibers can typically only withstand being recycled four to six times in Redmond. However, the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that the number is closer to five to seven times.
Can glossy paper be recycled in Redmond?
As long as glossy paper does not have a plastic coating, it is generally accepted by all local Redmond recycling programs. Additionally, paper should be suitable for recycling if it’s easy to tear.
What products can be made from recycled paper?
Recycled paper has a wide range of applications. You might be using various paper products made from recycled paper in your daily life without even knowing it. Here are some of the common products made from recycled paper.
- Tissues
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Printer paper
- Newspapers
- Greeting cards
- Grocery bags
- Egg cartons
- Cardboard
- Paperboard boxes
- Cereal boxes
- Pasta boxes
- Beverage packaging
- Gift boxes
- Shoe boxes
Is it important to know the recyclability of different paper grades?
Yes, it is important. Knowing the recyclability of different paper grades help paper recycling centers in processing specific types of paper. Below are the 5 main categories of paper grades.
- Mixed Paper - It is a broad category that includes various types of paper, such as mail, catalogs, phone books, and magazines.
- Old Newspapers - Paper mills use old newspapers to produce more newsprint, tissue, and other paper products.
- Old Corrugated Containers - These are commonly known as "corrugated cardboards". They are often used for product packaging and boxes.
- High Grade Deinked Paper - It is a quality paper category that consists of paper products such as envelopes, copy paper, and letterhead that have undergone the printing process and had the ink removed.
- Pulp Substitutes - They are usually discarded scraps from paper mills.
Paper grade is determined by the length of its fibers, which decrease in length with each recycling cycle. For instance, newspaper is considered a lower grade paper as it has been recycled multiple times, while printer paper is a higher grade. After undergoing five to seven recycling cycles, the fibers become too short for further paper production and must be blended with virgin fibers.
References
1 Unpacking the 2021 Paper Recycling Rate | AF&PA. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.afandpa.org/news/2022/unpacking-continuously-high-paper-recycling-rates
2 Paper and Paperboard: Material-Specific Data | US EPA. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/