What types of paper can be recycled in the office?

On average, 60-80% of office waste is paper. Paper recycling can help prevent unnecessary landfill waste. Many people recycle paper at home, but by extending your actions to the office, you could be making an even greater impact. However, it is often hard to know which types of paper in the office can or can't be recycled. This page will discuss the benefits of recycling paper and the types of paper that can and can't be recycled in the office. It also covers how confidential documents can be shredded and recycled.

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Read the benefits of recycling office paper and the key reasons to set up a recycling program.

Find out which products can be made from recycled paper.

Read our guide to the paper items in the office can be recycled.

Read about the types of paper commonly found in an office that can be recycled.

Find out how a document shredding service can help your business.

Frequently asked questions about recycling paper in the office.

Why should you recycle office paper?

Recycling paper not only saves landfill space, but it also saves water and energy. Recycling just one tonne of paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 7,000 gallons of water, 4,000 kilowatts of energy and three cubic yards of landfill space (source). In addition to this, recycling paper can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The recycled fiber is a sustainable, cost-saving resource for making new paper products.

Businesses waste around 15 billion pounds worth of office waste such as paper, every year (source). Paper recycling can, therefore, help protect the environment, but it can also save your business money.



What products can the recycled paper be transformed into?

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

  • Brown parcel paper
  • Cardboard
  • Printer and photocopier paper
  • Soft tissue products, such as toilet paper and paper hand towels

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

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

What items made of paper in the office can be recycled?

There are many items in the office that you may forget about when putting aside a recycling pile. Items you use daily are likely to contain recyclable paper. If you find you are not getting enough use out of your spare notebook paper, or you notice your co-worker's desk is flooded with spare paper, don't let them go to waste. Items made from paper in the office that can be recycled include the following:

  • Post-it notes
  • Catalogues
  • Business cards
  • Phone books
  • Envelopes
  • Notebooks
  • Calendars
  • Ring binders
  • Printed fliers
  • Business papers
  • Cardboard boxes


What types of paper in the office can be recycled?

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

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

You will likely find that most items that are ordered to the office come wrapped in materials that can be recycled. Instead of throwing brown paper or cardboard into your normal office bin, put them to one side or in your recycling bin to be recycled.


What types of paper in the office can't be recycled?

  • Paper with food stains or food waste on it. If some paper has been sitting in your office kitchen has food or waste stains on it, it cannot be recycled. While food residue gets burned away during the recycling process for plastic, glass, and metal, this isn't the same for paper. When paper is recycled, it is mixed with water. Oil and fat from food residue don't mix with water, they float on top of the slurry and mingle with the paper pulp.
  • Wet cardboard. If your recycling gets wet, the paper and cardboard will become soggy and cannot be recycled.
  • Wax, plastic or foil-coated paper (such as metallic wrapping paper or some Christmas cards) can't be recycled. This is due to it being difficult to separate the coated paper from the material.
  • Laminated paper. Laminated paper is difficult to recycle as the paper can't be separated from the laminated plastic. Water is used to break down paper and heat is used to break down plastic.

Shredding and recycling confidential documents

Professional shredding services for businesses ensure data on paper documents is disposed of securely. It can be tempting 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.

At Russell Richardson, our shredded paper is made into soft tissue hygiene products. Our expert team will tailor the right service for you taking into consideration security requirements, volumes, location, and industry. We provide a range of secure storage solutions, a varied fleet of tracked vehicles for collections. Our staff are fully trained to security screened staff to BS 7858 and CRB checked, and we provide certificates of destruction.

You can read about our range of paper shredding services here.

Recycling paper in the office: FAQs

Can you recycle wet cardboard?

As wet cardboard gets soggy, it cannot be recycled. During the sorting process, wet paper and cardboard can also stick to the machinery and clog up the system.

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 crumpled paper be recycled?

Yes, you can recycle crumpled paper with regular paper recycling.

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. Some authorities will allow you to put shredded paper in your green garden waste bin for composting.

At Russell Richardson, we recycle 100% of the paper we shred, no matter what type of business it's come from or whether it's a regular or one-off service. Our shredded paper is made into soft tissue hygiene products. You can check with your local council whether you can put it in your paper recycling bin.

Can you recycle printer paper?

Printer paper can be recycled and is often turned into new printer paper.

How do you make sure paper is recycled in the office? 

Discuss how to establish an office paper recycling system/process and encourage staff to recycle. By integrating paper recycling into a normal part of office operation, you will help the environment as well as benefit in the financial aspect. The first step forward towards making your office greener is to have a recycling container or bin just for paper. Ensure the company staff are aware of which types of paper can be recycled and can't be recycled. Encourage staff to actively participate in paper recycling and saving measures. An office paper recycling service can make life easier for businesses. You can read more about office recycling here.

How do office paper recycling services work?

An office paper recycling service will normally provide your business with a paper recycling container, collection service, and recycling service.

At Russel Richardson, we can source recycling services and fully manage waste streams for organisations of all sizes. You can read about our office recycling services here.

Can I put my recyclable items in a plastic bag?

No, if you are recycling paper, you should not put plastic bags in the recycling bin.

Can you recycle paper cups?

Paper-based cups are usually lined with a membrane of polyethylene to make them waterproof, which unfortunately means they are not recyclable alongside paper or cardboard. While some communities do recycle materials like paper coffee cups, they're very rare. They can now be returned for recycling at some high street coffee store chains.


You can read about our office recycling services here to find out how we can help you.