How many times can paper be recycled?
The paper industry generally says paper can be recycled eight (8) times, but this does not mean that YOU have to keep track of it. When wastepaper is recycled at a mill, it is first pulped with water in a machine very much like a large blender. Each time paper is pulped its fibers get shorter and shorter. The pulp is then run through very fine mesh screens. Shorter fibers pass through the screen and do not get incorporated into new paper. The longer, stronger fibers DO get incorporated into new paper. The average fiber makes it through the system eight times.
