OK, I admit it. It’s really dead at work today. And this is a minor trivia point, which has exploded into a point of honor, (and a lunch bet)!!!
But my admin assistant and I got into a discussion over whether or not the paper wrapper around a ream of office printer/copier paper could be recycled with the regular office paper.
We’re talking about the wrapper on the outside of a Boise Cascade or Georgia Pacific ream of paper. It looks like regular paper, not shiny or otherwise unusual. It is glued shut, and has some green ink spelling out the manufacturer name and logo.
Our Office Services Dept says it is not recycle-able, but does not know why.
I work at two large sister companies. One does not allow copy paper wrappers to be recycled; the other allows it under “mixed glossy paper”.
My WAG is that traditionally ream wrappers were made out of wet-strength paper and therefore not recyclable along with regular white paper. Apparently some companies are coming out with recyclable wrappers; you may want to doublecheck what you have and Office Services may need to update policy as products change!
Most reams of commercial copy paper come in thicker paper wrapper. This wrapper has actually been treated with a plastic to make it moisture resistant. This is why you store paper in its wrapper before use.
Because the wrapper is paper and plastic, if it was recycled in office paper it would bring down the quality of the paper. And bring down its value. Some recyclers charge extra for contaminated loads or refuse them altogether.
Copy paper wrappers must be recycled with Mixed or Glossy paper. Which is more expensive to recycle.
Cite? Me, Environmentalist with State Agency for 15 years.