The main issue faced by the paper re-processors is the lack of high quality material available. Paper is often collected from your home with other recyclable items and although they are separated at a Materials Recycling Facility, these other items sometimes affect the quality of the paper. The main problem is when glass and paper are collected together because if shards of glass get into the paper mills it could cause extensive damage to the machinery.
Other items often mistakenly put in the recycling are:
- Pizza boxes – often contaminated with food residue
- Cartonboard trays and ovenable boards – these are often laminated with plastic liner materials
- Drink cartons - these are not made from paper alone but comprise of about 75% paper, 20% plastic (polyethylene) and 5% aluminium foil (for long-life products). As they are an amalgam of materials, they are sometimes collected separately to ordinary paper. Click here to find out how you can recycle your cartons.
