Paper recycling: keep it clean

Recycling paper saves hugely on landfill space, energy, trees and pollution, but don't hinder the process by including unsuitable items.

Office paper, magazines, newspapers, cardboard, telephone directories, pamphlets -- these are all great for recycling, as long as they're clean and dry.

Keep these items out of your recycled paper collection:

• plastic, foil or wax lined/coated paper and cardboard boxes (e.g. juice and dairy cartons)
• cement bags
• dog food bags
• stickers and  post-it notes
• photographic paper
• paper towels and tissues,
• carbon paper
• cigarette ends

Your local recycler may prefer you to separate higher grade paper from the rest (and some even pay you to do so), so find out from them.

To find a paper recycling drop-off point or collection near you, see Paper Pick-up or My Waste web site (for all kinds of recycling, not only paper).

(Olivia Rose-Innes, Health24, February 2012)