Waste paper recycling in India is an essential component of the country’s waste management system, particularly due to the rising volume of paper waste generated annually. In recent years, India has made significant strides in improving its recycling efforts, though there are still several challenges.
The country recycles about 30-35 per cent of the paper it consumes, which is lower than many developed nations, but the sector is growing.
The recycling process typically begins with the collection of waste paper from various sources such as households, businesses and scrap dealers. Once collected, the paper is sorted, shredded, and processed into pulp after being mixed with water. This pulp is then cleaned and de-inked to remove any impurities, inks or adhesives, before being reformed into new paper products.
The recycling of paper in India helps to reduce deforestation by decreasing the need for virgin wood pulp, thereby conserving natural resources. It also significantly saves energy compared to manufacturing paper from raw materials, with energy savings of up to 60-70 per cent.
Moreover, recycling reduces the volume of waste that ends up in landfills, contributing to better waste management practices. Despite these advantages, several issues hinder the efficiency of paper recycling in India. One of the key challenges is the lack of proper waste segregation.
In addition, the country’s recycling infrastructure is still underdeveloped, especially in rural areas, which limits the capacity for efficient waste collection and recycling. Informal waste pickers, who play a significant role in collecting and sorting waste, often work under unsafe conditions and lack proper training.