Reduce, reuse, recycle : A step-by-step guide to recycling waste paper

It may look a little complicated, but the process of installing and using a paper recycling unit is relatively straightforward. In fact, we reckon that it can be done in four simple steps. Don’t believe us?  Read on to learn how to recycle a ton-load of waste paper.

Step 1 – Get a paper recycling unit

This needs a bit of help and thankfully, we had support from Tara Machines and Tech Service Private Limited, a division of Development Alternatives. Each unit costs approximately Rs. 8.5 lakhs and comprises six parts:

• Hydrapulper, Beater, Univat and Screw Press (forming the wet section)
• Calendaring machines and Cutting machines (forming the dry section)

You might need some space to set up the entire unit, and have it function smoothly. An area of 600sqft should work well, for storage of the waste paper and the recycled paper; and for the unit itself.

Step 2 – Get waste paper

Look around you – you’ll definitely find some waste paper. Our source was the Essar office at Hazira.

One must be careful about the type of waste paper being used for recycling. Paper is available in various forms, but unfortunately, not all will be compatible with your unit. For our setup, computer stationary, corrugated boxes, card board boxes could be recycled, while laminated papers, plastic coated paper, newspapers had to be avoided.

Step 3 – Start the process of recycling, let’s go!

The paper recycling setup in Hazira requires 3-4 people for its management. Any person can operate it after undergoing a few days of training. In a single cycle, around 2 kgs of waste paper can be recycled, and from start to finish the cycle will take 8 hours. The paper is mixed with water to create pulp, following which, it is formed into sheets. The excess water from the sheets is drained out, and then the sheets are dried. The sheets of paper are then polished and cut into the desired size.

Step 4 – Get the recycled paper

Sit back, and think about all the things you’d want to create with the freshly recycled paper. We’ve been making envelopes, bags and notepads with our batches of paper. The two kgs of waste paper from one cycle should give you 50 sheets of paper of size 18X22 inches. Hooray!

And so you’ve successfully set up a paper recycling unit, and helped make the planet a little greener. Most importantly, you’ve done your part to protect Mother Earth.
Every little bit helps.