Tale of the recycled paper - Europe/US to China back to Europe/US
This is a really interesting article about where we send out recycling paper. Like myself, you probably know that there were many stories relating to recycling (toxic) computer parts in China. Therefore, it’s probably not surprising that a lot of paper is shipped all the way to China for recyling! Here are some facts for thought:
- Europe recycled 64.5% paper in 2007, where most is recycled in China and then shipped back to Europe
- China purchased recycling paper because it’s $100/tonne comparing to $500/tonne virgin pulp as a raw material for making paper
- Not all paper is recycable
- Recycling paper in China requires a whole load of water to clean - 99 parts of water to 1 part of raw material
- Recession has reduced the selling price of recycling paper to China - from peak of $200/tonne to as low as $28 a tonne for mixed paper, $40 for newspaper and $35 a tonne for corrugated boxes; results? No longer worthwhile to ship paper to China!
- Recycling paper end up in landfill if not recycled
- China doesn’t want landfill moving from Europe - China tightening up regulations about what types of paper they will buy
As a result:
- Recycling paper end up in landfill in Euorpe, US, and Canada and not recycled!
Imagine what kind of carbon footprint is associated with this “enviornmental activity”…. hmm… i need more time to figure that out.
Tags: carbon footprint, climate change
Big Green Big Deal | flo | 
May 7, 2009 12:57 am
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