Mixed Paper Cardboard Bales

Mixed paper bales contain various types of paper that don't qualify as single-grade materials. This includes magazines, catalogs, junk mail, paperboard, and other paper products mixed together. Mixed paper commands lower prices than sorted grades but is easier to generate.

For recycling programs, mixed paper is often the practical choice. Sorting paper into specific grades requires labor and expertise. Accepting all paper types (except prohibited items like waxed paper) into one stream simplifies collection and reduces processing costs.

Mills processing mixed paper produce lower-grade products - paperboard, tissue, and recycled content paper. The mixed fiber content limits end-product quality, hence the lower pricing compared to sorted grades.

Contamination standards for mixed paper are more lenient than OCC, but limits still apply. Excessive moisture, food contamination, or prohibited materials can result in rejected loads or pricing penalties.