Spiral notebooks, sometimes known as steno pads or reporter's notebooks, are commonly used by students and office workers. They come in all sorts of styles and designs, but are generally made from paper that's recycled.
Recycling a spiral notebook responsibly
Spiral binding is a very common method of binding together notebooks and other paper products. However, the metal coil that is often a part of the design can be tricky to recycle.
The best way to recycle a spiral notebook is by removing the metal coil before placing it in your recycling bin. This can be done either at a scrap metal dealer or through a recycling program.
Alternatively, you can cut the coil into pieces and bed them to make hooks or hangers for Christmas decorations, pictures, or cables. You can also use the coil to bind your next notebook or craft project.
You can also donate your old spiral notebook to a copy center or school that may be able to reuse it for a new notebook. It's always nice to be able to find a new home for your old notebooks and save money on paper.
Once you've removed the spiral binding from your notebook, toss it into your recycling bin along with the paper and dividers that are still intact. If you're not sure about your specific area, contact a local recycling authority to determine whether it's possible to recycle the notebook.