Recycled paper is broken down using either chemical or mechanical means to free the fibres and create pulp. The pulp is re-manufactured into paper products in a similar way to first production paper.
Paper can be recycled into many things including office paper, packaging, toilet paper, egg cartons, soundproofing, furniture and cardboard.
The waste products left over from the recycling process (ink, short fibres and plastics) are collectively called ‘sludge’ and are either sent into landfill, burnt for energy or used as fertilizer.
Paper can be recycled up to eight times. Once the paper has been recycled as many times as possible, it is turned into organic waste and breaks down.
Source: Sustainability Victoria