North Middlesex student wins committee approval to explore closed‑loop paper recycling

Ryan, a senior at North Middlesex Regional High School, received the school committee’s approval on Wednesday to explore a closed‑loop paper recycling program with Manadnock Paper Mills.

Ryan told the committee he used Manadnock as a primary source during a civic-action project and that the mill will work with organizations that can show an institutional commitment. “If we give our paper to these mills, they'll recycle it and bring it back to us,” Ryan said, explaining that the model would let the school reuse refreshed stock instead of cutting new trees.

He proposed fundraising for collection bins, using advisory periods to collect discarded paper at the end of each quarter, and finding a storage area in underused rooms at the school. Ryan said he found data estimating the district uses about seven tons of paper annually — “roughly a 102 trees worth,” he said — and that the project would start with market research and vendor pricing.

A motion to “give the schools permission to look into the monthly feasibility for the full circle or the closed loop recycling program” was made and moved; the committee voted by voice to approve the motion. Committee member Brad Morgan offered to help Ryan make vendor contacts and asked that Ryan return with further information and prices before any formal commitment.

Why it matters: the proposal is a student‑initiated environmental project that could reduce paper purchasing costs and the district’s paper consumption if implemented.

What’s next: Ryan will gather pricing and logistics information with volunteer help from staff, then return to the committee with a more detailed plan.