Emissions from the transport of a container of 25 tons, represents the issuance of 5 to 7 tonnes of CO2, compared to the 22.5 tons that are avoided by recycling paper. A study conducted by the Department of sustainability of the Institute of packaging, transport and logistics (ITENE) has concluded that transport from Spain to China of a container with 25 tons of paper for recycling is an impact on global warming of between 4,793 and 7,240 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions. Moreover, according to ASPAPEL, recycling one ton of paper reduces CO2 emissions by about 900 kgs., i.e. recycling those 25 tons (a container) reducing emissions at 22.5 tons, being the net balance of the entire process, transport and recycling, highly positive from an environmental point of view. Therefore, a total reduction of emissions between 15 to 18 tons per container. On the other hand, Europe is a highly surplus area of recovered paper because there is no sufficient recycling capacity, being close to 9 million annual surplus of tons (up to 12 million in 2009). This phenomenon is due to the greater part of the industrial production of consumer goods is carried out in Asia, and therefore, there is where produce packagings necessary suing paper recovered for recycling. If he is not exported this surplus of paper recovered to Asia, it would be buried in European dumps, with dire environmental consequence as the occupation of 2 cubic meters of landfill per tonne buried.
At the same time, without those exports, we would be encouraging the consumption of Virgin timber in the Asian continent, whose process requires a higher consumption of petroleum and energy (140 liters and 50 cubic meters respectively, per tonne). On the basis of the data presented, definitely there are environmental reasons which would justify the implementation mechanisms that prioritize recycling within the European Union, which considers the new law 22/2010 waste and contaminated land in his article 16.3. Any mechanism to restrict exports of recovered paper to those regions of the world where they are needed, would imply increased inordinate in the local supply, with a drastic fall in their prices. The price of recovered paper, represents an important source of income in the local administrations, which often enjoy free services from selective collection of paper, which otherwise would have to be financed by taxes on taxpayers. From REPACAR, National Association of paper and paperboard recovery, suggests incentives aimed at increasing the capacity of recycling in Europe, to increase the volume of recycling vs.
the consumption of Virgin fibers. Moreover, recycles Dolaf also maintains the possibility of serviced the destruction of documents, free of charge and for any amount, when the producer of the documentation delivered it onsite recycling Dolaf in Madrid directly. Also offers pickup service for massive punctual services, which includes an unlimited amount of paper and for a price only 175 euros.