Concerns about recycled paper jamming in copier machines are for the most part unwarranted. During the 1990s, the quality of recycled papers greatly improved - surprising and satisfying offices that had once written them off. Many concerns were laid to rest in 1998 by the United States Government Printing Office (GPO). The GPO demonstrated how recycled paper can meet stringent performance standards, and today it continues to test recycled papers for environmental and performance criteria:
- Paper containing a minimum of 30 percent postconsumer recycled fiber;
- Paper that is free of lint and fuzz; and
- Paper demonstrating not more than one paper-caused jam per 5,000 continuous copies.
For a list of brands that meet the GPO's stringent standards, visit the GPO Web site. Additional information can be found on the California Integrated Waste Management Board's (CIWMB) Web site and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Recycled Copy Paper Web site. If you gave up on recycled paper because of a bad experience in the past, give these new, higher-quality papers a try.
Regardless of the type of paper used, proper storage and handling can help reduce the risk of jamming. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Fan paper before loading the copier to reduce static.
- Load paper into the copier following instructions on the ream label. Look for the arrow indicating which side of the paper should face up when loaded into the copier.
- Avoid storing paper on the floor or in humid areas.
- If the entire ream is not loaded in the copier, keep the remainder wrapped well. Use the ream wrapper's plastic moisture barrier to keep out humidity. [14]
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