Newsprint is one of the most recycled commodities in the United States and in Minnesota. About half of your recyclables by weight includes old newspapers. End uses for old newspapers include cellulose insulation, animal bedding, and—you guessed it—new newsprint.
Recycled content newsprint is common but not universal. If your newspaper publisher is using recycled content newsprint, the publisher is helping to making recycling more sustainable. If the publishers do not ask for recycled newsprint, it reduces the value of the newspapers picked up in your community.
Take a moment to look in your local paper to determine if it states anywhere that the newsprint contains recycled newsprint. Some publishers will note that information in the section of the newspaper where the publisher and editor are listed. If it is not noted that the newspaper contains recycled content, send the publisher an e-mail to ask if they use recycled content newsprint, and how much of it is "post-consumer" recycled content. If they use it, please say thank you! It is important that these publishers know that their readers and subscribers care about recycling. If they do not use recycled newsprint, let the publisher know that recycled content is important to you and your community.
Many of the old newspapers recycled in Minnesota go to one of two paper mills where they are used in the manufacture of new newsprint. One of the paper mills is Bowater Newsprint in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Bowater mill has received ISO 14001 certification, which means that the mill meets the highest international standards for "minimizing harmful effects on the environment caused by its activities." The other is Abitibi-Consolidated in Kenora, Ontario. Both sell newsprint to publishers in Minnesota. Another mill that provides recycled newsprint of up to 40 percent post-consumer content is Tembec Industries' Pine Falls paper mill in Pine Falls, Manitoba.
Look up your local newspaper below by CITY OF PUBLICATION. If you don't find your local paper right away, it might be because it is published in a different city. Try pressing Ctrl & F and enter your paper's name to search for it.
Find out about recycled content in your Sunday paper's inserts.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune uses an average of about 40 percent post-consumer recycled content that comes from both the Bowater and Abitibi mills. You can say thanks to the Minneapolis Star Tribune for using recycled newsprint by clicking here.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press uses an average of 25 percent post-consumer recycled content, including newsprint from Bowater. You can say thanks to the Pioneer Press by clicking here.
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