The efficiency of retention systems including compozil-G, hydrocol, compozil-S, and micropolymer under highly closed papermaking system was evaluated using contaminated white waters prepared in the laboratory. Compozil-G and compozil-S performed better in retention than hydrocol and micropolymer systems. This suggested that stronger hydrogen bonding between fiber and guar gum or starch was formed to give stronger flocculation and better retention. Especially compozil-G outperformed compozil-S in retention, and this indicated the presence of stronger interaction between guar and cellulose fibers probably due to their similarity in chemical structure. Two compozil retention systems decreased the cationic demand and COD more effectively than hydrocol and microparticle systems. In particular, compozil-G that uses guar gum was highly effective in decreasing anionic trashes at low dosage.