Can You Put Shredded Paper in the Recycle Bin? Do’s and Don’ts

Recycling shredded paper can be tricky. The size and amount of shredded bits often cause problems for recycling facilities. While shredded paper can usually be recycled, the rules can differ based on where you live. It’s key to know the right way to throw away shredded documents to keep them eco-friendly and safe.

Key Takeaways

• Shredded paper can be recycled, but its small size and quantity can make it difficult for recycling facilities to process.
• Around 56% of paper/cardboard waste in the US is landfilled annually, highlighting the importance of proper disposal methods.
• Recycled paper fibres can be reused 5 to 7 times for new paper and cardboard products, but shredding dramatically shortens their lifecycle.
• Proper disposal of shredded documents is crucial for both security and environmental concerns.
• Certain recycling programs, such as Chicago’s, do not accept shredded paper in household bins, but may offer dedicated shredding events.

Understanding the Challenges of Recycling Shredded Paper

Recycling shredded paper is different from regular paper recycling. The size of the shreds is key, as smaller pieces are harder to recycle. Recycling centres find it tough to sort out the tiny shreds from other waste, causing problems in the recycling process.

Why Size Matters in Paper Recycling

Shredded paper’s fibres are shorter, making it less useful for recycling. Different papers have different fibre lengths. For example, high-grade printing paper has longer fibres than low-grade tissues. This affects the quality and value of recycled paper.

The Impact on Recycling Facilities

Shredded paper is a challenge for recycling centres. The small pieces can fall off belts and be mistaken for non-recyclable items. This increases processing time and costs, and can contaminate the recycling stream. Recycling centres might need to send shredded paper to special facilities, adding to the time and expense.

Paper Fibre Quality Concerns

The short fibres in shredded paper are a big worry for the recycling industry. These fibres are less valuable than longer, higher-quality fibres. This can lower the quality and usefulness of recycled paper, limiting its use in new products.

Despite these challenges, shredded paper can still be recycled through special processes. Businesses and individuals should check with their local recycling centres. They can learn how to dispose of shredded paper in an eco-friendly way.

Material	Fibre Length	Recycling Challenges	Recycling Potential
Printing Paper	Longer Fibres	Less Problematic for Recycling Facilities	Higher Value for Recycled Products
Tissues	Shorter Fibres	More Challenging for Recycling Facilities	Lower Value for Recycled Products
Shredded Paper	Extremely Short Fibres	Significant Challenges for Recycling Facilities	Reduced Value and Recyclability

Knowing the challenges of recycling shredded paper helps businesses and individuals make better choices. They can ensure their paper waste is handled responsibly, balancing data security and environmental care.

Can You Put Shredded Paper in Recycle Bin: The Truth Revealed

Recycling shredded paper can be tricky. It might seem easy to just throw it in the recycling bin. But, the truth is a bit more complicated. Let’s look into how to recycle shredded paper the right way.

Don’t put shredded paper straight into recycling bins. Instead, put it in a paper bag or cardboard box and seal it. Then, put the package in the recycling bin. This way, it’s more likely to get recycled and won’t make a mess.

The size of the shredded paper matters too. Some recycling places won’t take small pieces because they can get stuck in machines. But, big bales of shredded paper are easier for them to handle.

Recycling rules can change depending on where you live. Some places have special rules for shredded paper, while others might not accept it. Always check your local recycling guidelines to do it right.

By preparing your shredded paper carefully, you help the recycling process. Remember, keeping it contained is key for the best recycling results.

What Documents Should and Shouldn’t Be Shredded

In today’s digital world, keeping personal and confidential info safe is key. Many know how vital document security is. But, what should and shouldn’t be shredded is often unclear. Let’s look at the important documents that need shredding and those that can be recycled safely.

Essential Documents to Shred

For document security, shred any paper with sensitive info. This includes:

• Employee pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Investment transaction records
• Pre-approved credit card applications
• Medical records
• Tax forms
• Anything with social security or credit card numbers

Papers Safe for Regular Recycling

Not all documents need shredding. You can recycle regular mail, folders, greeting cards, books, and magazines without shredding. Just make sure to remove or cover any sensitive info first.

Alternative Methods for Protecting Sensitive Information

For documents with a bit of confidential info, use white-out or a permanent marker. This way, you can recycle them without shredding. It also helps save your shredder and reduces waste.

Knowing what to do with your documents helps keep your info safe. It also supports eco-friendly recycling practices.

“Protecting personal and confidential information has become increasingly crucial in the digital age.”

Professional Shredding Services and Recycling Solutions

Professional shredding services offer a safe and green way to get rid of documents. They make sure your private info is gone for good while helping the planet. You can choose from many options like drop-off, “Ship ‘N’ Shred”, offsite, and on-site shredding.

PROSHRED® Security has been leading in on-site shredding for over 30 years. In Houston, they offer a personal touch and support the local economy. They also recycle 100% of shredded material, helping the environment.

PROSHRED® of Houston helps businesses meet document destruction laws. They offer services like hard drive destruction and asset recycling. They also shred documents for homes, keeping personal info safe.

Recycling paper is very important. Franklin County recycled 50% of its waste in 2019, beating the national average. Recycling one ton of shredded paper saves a lot of resources, like trees and water.

The US recycled 68% of its paper in 2021. This shows how recycling helps the environment and supports the paper industry. By using shredding services, you help the recycling industry grow and reduce waste.

Service	Description	Benefits
Drop-off Shredding	Secure access facilities for individuals and businesses to safely dispose of sensitive documents.	Prevents identity theft and ensures proper recycling of shredded paper.
Ship ‘N’ Shred	Convenient service for 1-3 boxes of documents to be securely transported and shredded.	Offers a hassle-free solution for small-scale document destruction.
Offsite Shredding	Professional handling of large volumes of documents at secure off-site facilities.	Efficient and cost-effective for businesses with high shredding needs.
On-site Shredding	Witnessed destruction of confidential documents using mobile shredding trucks.	Provides an added layer of security and compliance for sensitive information.

Conclusion

To cut down on paper waste, try getting bills and financial statements online. This is a big step towards more eco-friendly document disposal. You can also reuse shredded paper in many ways, like packing material or animal bedding.

When shredding is necessary, make sure to dispose of it right. Or, use professional shredding services that focus on recycling. These services destroy sensitive documents safely and help the environment.

By choosing to recycle and reduce paper use, we help the planet. Making smart choices about how we manage documents is key. It helps protect our natural resources and lessens the harm from paper waste.

FAQ

Can shredded paper be recycled?

Shredded paper can usually be recycled, but rules vary by area. The size and amount of shredded paper can make recycling tricky for facilities.

How many times can recycled paper fibres be reused?

Recycled paper fibres can be reused 5 to 7 times. They are used to make new paper and cardboard products.

Why is shredded paper less likely to be recycled?

Smaller paper shreds often get lost during recycling. They can be mistaken for trash. Facilities find it hard to sort out small shreds from other waste.

What documents should be shredded?

Shred documents with sensitive info. This includes pay stubs, bank statements, and medical records. Also, anything with social security or credit card numbers should be shredded.

What should I do with shredded paper to ensure it gets recycled?

Put shredded paper in a paper bag or cardboard box. Seal it and then put it in the recycling bin. This way, it’s more likely to be recycled and won’t make a mess.

What are the benefits of using professional shredding services?

Professional shredding is safe and eco-friendly. They offer services like drop-off shredding and Ship ‘N’ Shred. They also do offsite and onsite shredding for large or witnessed destruction. These services ensure your shredded paper is recycled properly.