How to recycle office paper: a complete guide

Businesses waste around 15 billion pounds worth of office waste such as paper, every year (source). Recycling office paper can improve your company image, save your business money and ensure you are preventing landfill waste. This section will provide you with guidance on how to recycle office paper and the factors you need to consider when setting up an office paper recycling program. It also features tips on recycling confidential documents and information on how recycling contractors can help.

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How to set up a policy for recycling paper in the office

An efficient paper recycling system should be clear, practical and work for everyone in the office. Before setting up a paper recycling policy, consider the following:

  • How many objects made of paper are recyclable in your office?
  • How much space is there in the office for recycling bins, and how many does your office need?
  • What is the best way to remind staff to recycle paper?

Once you have determined which types of paper you are recycling and how your system will work, it is vital to communicate with your staff about your policy. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to place clear signs above the paper recycling bin to remind staff to recycle and ensure the bin can be distinguished from other waste bins. Sending emails and placing notices around the office are other ways to communicate with your staff.

You can read more about starting office recycling in our guide Setting up a policy for recycling paper in the office.

What types of paper can be recycled in the office?

The following types of paper are recyclable and are likely to be found in an office environment:

  • Cardboard
  • Coloured paper
  • Shiny paper
  • Brown parcel paper
  • Photocopier paper
  • Printer paper

The following types of paper can't be recycled:

  • Any paper that's coated in a material such as wax, plastic or foil
  • Paper with food stains or food waste on it
  • Laminated paper
  • Wet cardboard

You can read about items made of paper that are recyclable here. 

Can paper with ink be recycled?

Paper with ink can be recycled, as the ink is removed during the recycling process. The paper pulp is put into a chemical solution and blasted with air bubbles. The ink sticks to these bubbles and rises to the top of the solution. It's then skimmed off.

Can you recycle shredded paper?

This depends on the authority or council, and how the paper has been shredded. Some domestic shredders can make the fibers too weak for recycling. Some local councils won't accept the shredded paper as the small fibres can jam recycling machinery, or are easily blown away, creating litter.

Can paper cups be recycled?

Paper-based cups are usually not recyclable alongside paper or cardboard, as they are often lined with a membrane of polyethylene to make them waterproof. While some communities do recycle products such as paper coffee cups, this is very rare. Some paper cups can now be returned for recycling at some high street coffee shop chains.

Choosing a recycling bin or container

When choosing a recycling bin or box for your paper waste, you need to consider how much waste your office is likely to have, and the type of waste paper that will be recycled. If you are recycling confidential documents, you should use lockable and secure recycling bins. You can read about our container solutions here.

It is also wise to invest in a colour-coded bin to make it clear to your staff which container is suitable for paper waste. This avoids confusion between a mixed recycling bin, general waste bin and the paper recycling bin.

If you are choosing an external recycling bin, ensure it is constructed from sturdy and durable materials. This prevents breakage or warping in cold and hot weather. External recycling bins are often designed from plastic or metal.

You can read more about choosing a paper recycling bin or container for your office here. 

Where should you place a paper recycling bin?

If your company has numerous offices, ensure you place paper recycling bin in all offices in your business. Office recycling bins for the kitchen are popular amongst companies, as they are placed in an accessible, communal area. Placing paper recycling bins next to photocopiers and printers or where staff often pass by is also a good idea.

Most paper recycling services will provide you with a recycling bin that is tailored to your needs.

At Russell Richardson, a dedicated account manager can provide tailored solutions and suitable bins for:

  • General waste
  • Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR)
  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Hazardous waste
  • Confidential waste
  • Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
  • Food waste

You can read more about our services for offices here.

How do office paper recycling services work?

Paper recycling services can cater to your company's specific needs and assist you in recycling paper securely and efficiently. Recycling companies will pick up your paper waste on an agreed day and frequency. Contractors will provide a service that is tailored to your company size. Office waste paper services provide paper recycling for all types of businesses, large or small.

Using an office paper contractor provides the following benefits:

  • You are provided with bins and necessary services to improve your waste and recycling management system.
  • Recycling contractors can save office staff valuable time, as they can handle collection, shredding and other services which take time and pressure off your hands.
  • You are provided with lockable cabinets or secure solutions to keep your confidential waste safe.
  • Contractors provide a secure and certified method of destruction. If your business has a lot of confidential waste, services can provide an accredited method that can you trust.

How much can you expect to pay for a contractor?

How much you can expect to pay for a service depends on your company's individual needs, including the volume of waste you're recycling and the materials you're recycling. It also depends on the location of your business, and the prices set out by your chosen contractor.

You can read more about how office paper recycling services work here. 

How to recycle confidential documents

Professional shredding services for businesses ensure data on paper documents is disposed of securely. It can seem easier to cut costs and shred documents yourself. However, this will almost always end up costing you more than hiring a professional shredding service and could leave your business vulnerable to data breaches. Using a document shredding service can ensure your confidential waste is shredded and recycled correctly.

You can read about our confidential waste shredding services here.

What happens to the paper after it has been recycled?

Recycled fibres can be transformed into a range of new paper products, including:

  • Brown parcel paper
  • Cardboard
  • Printer and photocopier paper
  • Soft tissue hygiene products

Some more unusual items that can be made from recycled paper include the following:

  • Building insulation
  • Cat litter
  • Furniture
  • Handbags
  • Vases
  • Water bottles

You can read our guide to what shredding companies do with the shredded paper here.

We can help source recycling services and fully manage waste streams for organisations of all sizes.

To find out about what we could do for your business, contact the team or call 0800 294 6552. You can get a free quote from Russell Richardson here.