In India, waste paper in general is not recycled to make paper unlike countries like Japan which recycle 60 to 70 per cent of their paper. Instead India imports waste paper for its pulp and paper Industry.

Recycling of one ton of waste paper saves 17 trees. It develops a recycling industry creates new jobs and not only in remote areas where natural resources are produced but also in large cities. It also saves approximately 462 gallons of oil, according to an estimate. Recycling paper also reduces the air and water pollution due to paper manufacturing.

In the US state of Michigan, offices are required to use at least 50 percent recycled paper. Federal government and offices in other states also use recycled office paper. This can be made mandatory in our country as well. What is required is wider participation by the private sector to make a significant impact on our environment.

The magazine and newspapers publishers have largely remained callous about their paper waste and have failed to use more recycled paper. Although the fact remains that publishers in general have to choose paper based on three factors: quality, availability and price. Some smaller-circulation newspaper and magazines can print completely on recycled paper but there is not enough recycled paper at an acceptable quality and price to allow large publications to do so.

Business and institutions generate huge volumes of waste paper. In India companies and institutions are yet to discover that they can reduce, reuse and recycle their office paper and save paper purchases, reduces disposal costs and even earns revenues.

Paper Can Be Recycled

Virtually all types of office paper can be recycled. Beyond reducing the amount of paper one uses, offices can set up recycling programs to divert paper from the waste basket. In Western countries office paper recycling programs have been initiated and are relatively easy to set up, especially if one follows these steps:

Step 1. Appoint a Recycling Coordinator:
The first step in setting up a paper-recycling program is to put someone in charge. This person should do the necessary research, design the recycling program, implement and manage the program and be a liaison between management, employees and outside recyclers. Specific responsibilities of the coordinator frequently include:
·Representing the program to both management and employees.
·Working with the recycling markets.
·Developing a plan of action with measurable goals and a feasible timetable.
·Designing the collection system to be used.
·Identifying and ordering collection, storage and equipment needs.
·Obtaining management authorization to purchase needed equipment and supplies and for negotiating contracts with recyclers and brokers.
·Informing employees of the recycle system and their roles in the project.
·Monitoring program results to identify and resolve problems.
·Listening to and evaluating feedback from management and employees.
·Reporting the results of the recycling program.

The initial efforts may necessitate considerable time away from normal job assignments by the recycling coordinator, but once the program is in operation, time demands will decrease and stabilize.

Step 2. Determine What is Recyclable:

One will have to learn what types and quantities of paper are in the office waste stream.

Step 3. Know the Markets:

Contact potential recycling markets. Determine the recyclers' prices and services. Learn about restrictions on contaminants and establish an acceptable schedule for pick-up. Seek outside technical assistance from consultants, waste haulers, local and state government and local recycling businesses for help with terminology, pricing and markets.

Step 4. Design the Recycling Program:

In cooperation with facilities personnel, management and employees, design the recycling program. As part of this step, the coordinator should target specific paper grades for recycling, identify the types of containers needed and identify the program's personnel requirements. The coordinator should also be prepared to "sell" the program.
Most office paper recycling systems follow a three-part process:

·Employees put paper into recycling containers. These recycling containers may be at employee desks and/or in more centralized locations.
·Custodial personnel transport paper from recycling containers to recycling dumpsters at the building's loading dock or waste area.
·A designated hauler empties the recycling dumpsters and hauls the paper to a recycling facility.
There are many variations within this basic approach. In some offices employees transfer paper from desktop to centralized containers. In others housekeeping personnel empty desktop containers as well as centralized containers. Since most office waste is paper, some offices further encourage recycling by limiting trash containers.

Other office paper recycling tips include:
·Containers should be well marked and labelled clearly with recycling do's and don'ts. This provides a continual prompt for employees to recycle.
·Individual employees should separate their own paper from waste, rather than relying on custodial staff.
·Consider compacting or baling paper on-site.
·Store recovered paper in a dry location.

Step 5 Implement the Program:

Keys to successful program implementation are acceptance, education and promotion. There are a number of ways to encourage and maintain participation.

·Send a "kickoff" memo, signed by top management, to all employees. The memo should explain the program's operating procedures and indicate that program success depends upon full cooperation of all employees.
·Hold meetings with middle and lower management, and all relevant employees, to explain program objectives and operating procedures. Resolve any questions about the program and explain how recycling will benefit the company and its staff. Provide literature explaining the need for resource conservation, reduction of waste generation and an end to throw-away habits.
·Place posters throughout the office facility explaining operating procedures for recycling. Include the name and telephone number of the recycling coordinator so that questions can be easily answered.
·Prepare an article on the recycling program for the office or company newsletter.

Step 6 Monitor the Program:

The coordinator should observe operating procedures, watching for undesired contaminants in recycled paper collection containers. Educate new employees on a continuing basis. As the recycling practices become ingrained in most employees, the program will proceed smoothly.

Step 7 Follow-up:

The recycling coordinator should start gathering quantity data when the first pick-up of recycled paper is made. Maintain a log of quantity of recycled materials sent from the facility and monies received for materials. Publicize this information on bulletin boards and/or in the office or company newsletter so that both management and employees will know how the program is progressing.

Publicity on paper recycling should include information on how monies received from paper recycling are being used. It is important that employees know what direct benefits are received from recycling. The money generated can be used for educational and recreational purposes.

Use Recycled Paper

The collection of office paper is only part of the recycling loop. Paper collected for recycling must be manufactured into marketable products to complete the loop. For most office application, recycled paper can be directly substituted for paper made with "virgin" fibers. By purchasing and using recycled paper, one’s business can help to complete the recycle loop.

If every business used recycled paper, both demand and price for office paper collected for recycling would increase. In return, the cost of purchasing recycled paper will decrease.

Although there are many examples in recycling efforts cases they require replication and government support.
One ton of traditional Indian handmade paper, produced from cotton rag waste, saves an estimated 277 Eucalyptus or 462 bamboo trees that would be required to make the same quantity of conventional mill made paper.

Indian handmade paper is unique and environment friendly. It uses no toxic chemicals in the handmade paper making process. It has maintained the traditional paper making methods with several recent improvements in the paper making process. Since the units engaged in the Indian handmade paper industry are creating sustainable development in rural villages, the benefits of which directly accrue to the rural population, if they are approached with the paper waste, they can be play an instrumental role.

Prevention

Prevention is the most environmentally preferable means to reduce paper waste. Paper waste prevention reduces the environmental impacts associated with both paper manufacture and paper recycling.

Also paper waste prevention is the practice of reducing or eliminating paper use so that the potential for paper to be used inefficiently or disposed is prevented in the first place. Printing paper on both sides of the sheet rather than on one side is a classic example of paper waste prevention, as it reduces the need for paper by up to fifty percent.