ABSTRACT
A study has been conducted to determine the feasibility and benefits of waste paper recycling. It is found that a 7500 tons per year waste paper recycling plant in Kano is technically, commercially and financially feasible. Trends in manufacture and consumption of paper were studied along with the types of raw materials favoured in both developing and advanced countries. Technology and problems associated with waste paper recycling were investigated and a case study of paper recycling was conducted at Nigerian Paper Mill (NPM) Ltd., Jebba. Laboratory tests on hand sheets were carried out in order to compare the strength and other physical peoperties of sheets from different pulps. The results of such experiments, in respect of recycled fibre, were quite encouraging. Repeated and long-term recycling in a given area is found not have any significant adverse effect on the quality of recycled paper. A survey of major paper consumers was conducted in Kano and some near-by towns. It was estimated that Kano State consumes over 20 000 tons of paper annually; and 5 000 to 10 000 tons of recyclable waste paper is generated in Kano and its adjacent areas every year. Other industrial towns near Kano also generate large quantities of recyclable waste paper. Raw materials, utilities and other plant needs have been determined and it is found that apart from rosin all input requirements can be met locally. The imported rosin consumption will be about 60 t/year; that is, less than 0,6% of total inputs