The diagram illustrates how used paper can be recycled.
Overall, the waste-paper recycling process consists of several steps, beginning with the collection of used paper, through several hand and machine processing steps, and ending with the production of usable new paper.
At the beginning of the process, waste paper is collected from either public paper banks or businesses. Next, the paper is hand-checked for quality and separated into recyclable and unrecyclable paper. The chosen paper suitable for recycling is then delivered to a paper mill where further processing is conducted.
The process continues with the paper being cleaned, pulped and removed of excessive materials such as staples. Following this step, remaining stains from inks and glues are removed through a de-inking process. Finally, the processed paper is passed through a specialized machine for making paper, turning the once used pieces of paper into completely new ones.