Recycling is almost second nature to many people. Tossing aluminum cans, glass jars, and plastic packaging into the bin has become a habit at home and in the office. However, paper is recycled more than any other material, with 68% of paper and fiberboard, such as cardboard, recycled annually. Doing this, instead of tossing documents and junk mail into the garbage, has a few clear benefits. 

Why You Should Be Recycling Paper 

1. Conserve Resources

Paper can be recycled and made into new paper products up to seven times before it's no longer usable. One ton of recycled paper preserves as many as 17 trees, protecting our forests and preserving valuable natural resources. Although some recycled paper that can no longer be used in manufacturing is sent to landfills, some of it is used in compost or mulch or burned for energy. 

2. Reduced Energy Use

Recycling paper saves water and power because turning the used paper into new products requires fewer resources than working with new materials. By some estimates, processing one ton of recycled paper conserves up to 7,000 gallons of water and enough energy to power an average home for six months. This is in large part because using recycled materials eliminates the need to harvest and process wood, which requires using fossil fuels. 

3. Reduced Greenhouse Gases

Not using as much energy to process the recycled paper also results in a reduction of harmful greenhouse gases. Not only does using less fossil-fuel derived energy result in less carbon dioxide, but it keeps paper out of landfills and also reduces emissions. As paper breaks down in a landfill, it creates methane and carbon dioxide, and both gases have been linked to climate change. 

Cutting down fewer trees also helps eliminate these toxic gases and slow climate change. In fact, according to the EPA, recycling 2,000 pounds of paper reduces greenhouse gases by one metric ton. 

4. More Landfill Space

Not everything can be recycled or reused, which makes landfills necessary. Paper accounts for almost 30% of all the garbage in landfills, so by recycling you can create a significant amount of space for other items. This helps reduce the need to keep building more landfills and taking up valuable open space.

Support your business's commitment to recycling by working with RTI Trash in Russellville, AR. This family-owned and -operated business provides garbage collection and recycling services to businesses in the Pope County community and will make it easy and convenient to recycle paper, cardboard, and more. They also provide dumpster rentals. To speak with a friendly representative, call (479) 890-2662 or visit them online to learn more about their trash services.