Newspaper

When you recycle newspapers at the Eastham Transfer Station, they are baled and sent to a paper mill where they’re turned into pulp, cleaned, and made into new products. In fact, paper fibers can be recycled 5–7 times before they become too short to make new paper products.

Your old newspaper can become:

  • New newspapers, paper towels and tissues
  • Cardboard and packaging and egg cartons
  • Cellulose insulation

Why Recycle Newspapers?

  • Keeps valuable paper out of the waste-to-energy facility.
  • Saves about 17 trees for every ton of paper recycled.
  • Conserves approximately 7,000 gallons of water per ton.
  • Uses less energy than making paper from new wood fibers.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Newspaper Recycling 101

Newspapers are one of the easiest items to recycle—but a few simple tips can help ensure they become new paper products instead of waste.

Recycle:

  • Newspapers
  • Comics
  • Coupons
  • Advertising inserts and flyers (even glossy ones)
  • Staples are removed during the paper recycling process, so there’s no need to take them out.

Do not recycle:

  • Newspapers in brown bags or plastic bags
  • Wet, moldy, or food-soiled newspapers (such as those used to absorb grease)
  • Magazines and phone books

What Happens to Newspapers in Eastham

When newspaper is thrown in the trash, Eastham pays to transport and incinerate it at SEMASS. The cost to the town for recycling is significantly less! The newspaper is de-inked and repulped

Amounts recycled in Eastham:

  • 2025: 20.32 tons of newspapers recycled
  • 2023: 32.54 tons of newspapers recycled
  • 2024: 23.93 tons of newspapers recycled

More information

Check out these resources for more information.