Election bonus for UK paper recyclers

CANTERBURY (Scrap Monster): Following last week's general election in the UK, paper recyclers are expecting the large volume of ballot papers to boost paper shredding figures next year when the collected documents will be released for secure destruction.

It is difficult to quantify the exact volume of paper in need of shredding following this or any election because this depends on the voter turnout, explains Simon Ellin, chief executive of The Recycling Association. Based on a turnout in the latest election of more than 65% and on every paper weighing 4.5 grammes, the overall value of recovered documents could result in a bonus for the UK paper recycling industry of over £350 000 (US$ 550 000).

The commercial benefit will be 'diluted' among recycling plants up and down the country, Ellin observes. Reuben Bolton, president of the United Kingdom Security Shredding Association, welcomes this election-based surge in material. 'Lots of ballots and referendums would be good for our business - and recycling is probably the most positive use of ballot papers,' he quips.

Courtesy: www.recyclinginternational.com