Wastepaper: meaning, definitions and examples

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wastepaper

 

[ ˈweɪstˌpeɪpər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

recycling, disposal

Wastepaper refers to paper that is no longer needed and is intended to be discarded or recycled. It often includes scrap paper, old documents, newspapers, and other paper that cannot be used again in its current state. Collecting wastepaper for recycling plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact and conserving resources. It can be repulped and turned into new paper products, which helps to save trees and decrease landfill waste. The practice of managing wastepaper is essential for sustainable living and encourages responsible consumption.

Synonyms

recycled paper, scrap paper, used paper

Examples of usage

  • We should sort our wastepaper for recycling.
  • The school organized a wastepaper collection drive.
  • It's important to reduce wastepaper use at the office.
  • They turned their wastepaper into art projects.

Translations

Translations of the word "wastepaper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 papel de desperdício

🇮🇳 कचरा कागज़

🇩🇪 Altpapier

🇮🇩 kertas bekas

🇺🇦 папір для утилізації

🇵🇱 papier makulaturowy

🇯🇵 廃紙

🇫🇷 papier usagé

🇪🇸 papel usado

🇹🇷 atık kağıt

🇰🇷 폐지

🇸🇦 ورق مهمل

🇨🇿 recyklovaný papír

🇸🇰 recyklovaný papier

🇨🇳 废纸

🇸🇮 odpadni papir

🇮🇸 úrgangspappír

🇰🇿 қалдық қағаз

🇬🇪 ნარჩენი ქაღალდი

🇦🇿 tullantı kağız

🇲🇽 papel usado

Etymology

The term 'wastepaper' dates back to the early 19th century, emerging from the combination of 'waste', meaning something that is no longer useful, and 'paper', a material created from cellulose fibers. Paper itself has a long history, originating from ancient times when people produced writing surfaces from plant materials. As the use of paper became widespread, particularly with the invention of the printing press, the issue of paper disposal arose. The concept of recycling wastepaper gained traction in the late 20th century as environmental awareness increased, highlighting the importance of reusing materials to minimize waste and protect natural resources. Today, the recycling of wastepaper is an integral part of sustainable manufacturing practices.