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April 6, 2009
Turning a profit on the paper trail

By Kelly Gray

During the current downturn in the economy, recycling market prices are at an all-time low, with one exception — white paper. White paper is one of the only commodities holding its value and is the single best resource of revenue for Emory’s recycling program. White paper is currently valued three times higher than mixed paper.

This month, Emory Recycles and the Office of Sustainability Initiatives are launching a white paper campaign to emphasize the benefits of recycling white paper and to encourage faculty, students and staff to keep white paper separated from mixed paper when recycling. This helps save the University disposal fees, helps save natural resources and energy and earns the University additional revenue.

White paper is:
• Copy paper
• Writing paper
• Letterhead
• Business envelops without plastic windows

White paper with colored ink is acceptable.

When recycling in offices, residence halls or classrooms, consider the economical consequences of separating white paper from mixed paper. Remember, when white paper is tossed in the mixed paper bin, potential revenue for the University’s recycling program is lost.