Recycling computer paper

[mum4boys]

For my job I go through about a ream (500 pages) every other day of paper. I only use the printed out pages for a short time then I shred. I am wondering if can just flip the pages over and run them through the printer again so I get twice as many pages?

I hate how much waste I have and I have no other solution. I have to shred these documents when I am done. Oh ya according to our recycling company shredded paper is not recyclable.

[MissMommyNiceNice]

Do you have a local shredding company? Maybe they will take the waste even though it's already shredded? Also, you could take it home to your compost pile. I would look into having your company purchase tree free or high content recycled if they aren't already. The price difference is negligable in most cases (for hc recycled, tree free will be slightly more). hth

[mum4boys]

I work at home and I am the company. :
From the research I have done they are unable to use the shredded paper because the peices are too small. The amount of paper I go through is unreal. It would overwhelm the compost pile. I do use recycle paper.

[LuvMyLittles]

I have run "used" paper through my printer with no problems.

You should be fine.

[bwylde]

Is duplex printing an option? Or does each printed page have to be on it's own sheet of paper?

[mum4boys]

each page has to be on its on sheet.

I think I will just start reusing it.

[beansmama]

You can flip it over, but another option could be using it for your kids art projects...i always use our scrap paper from printing, mailings, etc. w/ blank sides for DD's painting projects

[earthgirl]

Originally Posted by beansmama

You can flip it over, but another option could be using it for your kids art projects...i always use our scrap paper from printing, mailings, etc. w/ blank sides for DD's painting projects

I was going to suggest this, too. I used to teach preschool and was always hitting up parents for office paper. As long as you don't have anything confidential on it, it should be fine.

[mum4boys]

Originally Posted by beansmama

You can flip it over, but another option could be using it for your kids art projects...i always use our scrap paper from printing, mailings, etc. w/ blank sides for DD's painting projects

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absolutely cannot do this as the documents are highly sensitive containing people's social, bank accounts, etc. Besides I go through 2500 pages a week. My kids could never use that amount of paper.

[Nitenites]

I use junk mail for printer paper most of the time, so I don't see why flipping your used paper over & using it again would cause a problem.

You must use a LOT of ink!

[mum4boys]

Originally Posted by Nitenites

I use junk mail for printer paper most of the time, so I don't see why flipping your used paper over & using it again would cause a problem.

You must use a LOT of ink!

I do use a lot of ink. I have an laser printer so I use less ink then an ink jet printer. Luckily the laser printer I have the cost of the replacement has gone down in price.

[earthmama369]

I've run paper through the printer 2-4x without problem. If I've only printed a half page, I'll turn it around and print on the other end, then flip it and print on the back.

I'm not sure about confidentiality requirements once the paper is shredded, but shredded paper makes great packing material for shipping fragiles and gifts. You can also compost it, although with the amount you're going through, you'd probably want to set up several compost bins and work them on a rotating basis.

[texmati]

at work, I try to use the option where the printer prints 2 pages each side. So that cut's my paper usage by a fourth.