Paper is shredded, mixed with water (pulped), cleaned, screened (to remove contaminants such as plastic windows on envelopes), flattened on wire screens, and dried. Paper can normally be recycled 5-7 times before it loses strength. Paper is the #1 item we throw away in the United States; about one-third of the waste stream. Mixed paper may be recycled into “new” paper, tissues, napkins, paper towels, cat litter (really!), or school supplies such as folders, index cards, or notebooks. (Source: Pinellas County Utilities).

Additional Resources
:http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/recycle.htm