Circular economy: paper

Creating a more circular economy

King County is committed to achieving a zero waste of resources goal by 2030. Read more about our commitments, outlined in:

• King County Code (KCC 10.14.020)
• Strategic Climate Action Plan
• Re+ Strategic Plan
• 2019 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan

The impact of paper waste

Our demand for virgin materials drives deforestation, which threatens the survival of plants and animal species. Clearing forests also releases vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Additionally, when paper products end up in the landfill, it produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.

Recycling paper is a powerful way to reduce these environmental impacts. Paper fibers can be recycled up to seven times. For example, office paper can be recycled into newsprint, which can then be turned into products like egg cartons.

Every ton of paper that’s recycled saves 3, 700 pounds of wood and 24,000 gallons of water. By recycling more paper, we can conserve resources and protect the environment.

Natural resource extraction
If recycled materials aren’t used, new (virgin) materials need to be extracted. Paper is made from natural resources like wood, rags, grasses, or other plant-based sources.

Manufacturing
Pulp is the key ingredient in making paper products like printer paper, packaging, and newsprint.

Consumption
Many paper products include recycled content. Choose paper with high recycled content to support sustainability.

Reuse
Before recycling, think about ways to reuse paper to reduce waste.

Collection
Not sure what paper can be recycled? Check local recycling guidelines to ensure you're recycling correctly for your area. Use our recycling guide for a quick overview.

Transportation
Find your recycling company and other information on our residential recycling page.

End of life management
Paper accounts for about 18% of the waste sent to King County’s landfill. Recycling can reduce this!

Sorting
At recycling facilities, paper is sorted into categories, baled, and sent to reprocessors.

Reprocessing
Sorted paper is turned back into pulp and made into new paper products.

Paper market development

To lessen the environmental impact of paper products, it's essential to manage them responsibly. King County is committed to expanding markets and improving recycling streams. We prioritize programs that support a comprehensive approach to processing and recycling paper domestically.

In 2020, King County and Seattle collaborated to fund research on the secondary paper market in the Puget Sound region.

King County is also a proud member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and the Northwest Product Stewardship Council.

Circular economy resources

Sustainable Packaging Coalition
A membership-based collaboration dedicated to making packaging more sustainable.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Advances and promotes the concept of a circular economy by working with businesses, academia, policymakers, and institutions.

Responsible Recycling Task Force (RRTF)
RRTF was created by King County’s solid waste advisory committees to respond to changes in international recycling markets and develop a coordinated approach to improving recycling in the region.