Paper Recycling

All paper including newspaper, office paper, junk mail, white computer paper, envelopes, statements and bills and magazines are accepted.

We can NOT accept paper that is contaminated with grease (fast food bags) or wax (wax paper)!

In addition to our free paper recycling service, we also offer secure shredding of sensitive documentsfor a small fee. This service is available only at our office at 3305 West H Street, Ogallala.

When recycling books please remove covers and place them in the cardboard recycling bin. Notebooks must have the spiral binding removed.

🔁 What Is Paper Recycling?

Paper recycling is the process of collecting used paper, breaking it down into fibers, and turning it into new paper products. This helps reduce waste, save natural resources, and cut pollution.

Common recyclable paper items:

• Office paper

• Newspapers

• Magazines

• Envelopes (without plastic windows)

• Paper bags

• Junk mail

Not recyclable:

• Wet, greasy, or food-soiled paper (e.g., pizza boxes, used napkins)

• Foil-lined or wax-coated paper

• Paper with glitter or plastic coating

🧴 What Recycled Paper Becomes

Recycled paper is turned into:

• New printer/copier paper

• Newspapers

• Cardboard and paperboard

• Toilet paper and paper towels

• Egg cartons

• Packaging materials

• Tissue products

• Insulation or soundproofing material (in industrial use)

Paper fibers can be recycled about 5–7 times before they become too short to use.

🌱 Environmental Benefits of Recycling Paper

✅ 1. Saves Trees

• Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees.

• Reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp from forests.

✅ 2. Conserves Water and Energy

• Uses up to 70% less energy and 50% less water than making paper from trees.

• Less energy use means fewer fossil fuels burned.

✅ 3. Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Paper in landfills decomposes and releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

• Recycling helps reduce these emissions.

✅ 4. Reduces Landfill Waste

• Paper makes up about 25% of landfill waste in the U.S.

• Recycling reduces strain on landfill space and cuts disposal costs.

✅ 5. Supports a Circular Economy

• Keeps materials in use longer

• Creates green jobs in collection, sorting, and processing

• Encourages sustainable production and consumption

♻️ How to Recycle Paper Effectively

• Keep it clean: No food, grease, or moisture.

• Remove contaminants: Take out plastic windows, staples, and rubber bands when possible.

All paper products can be placed into our paper bins, no need to seperate!

🧠 Fun Fact:

Paper can go through the recycling process up to 7 times before its fibers become too short to make new paper. After that, it can still be used in compost or as packing filler.