Is there an alternative to shredding my paper? Almost every city that accepts shredded paper will require that you bag it first. Shredded paper is one of the biggest material acceptance variables in curbside recycling, so you should check with your local curbside program before placing it in the recycle bin. Because mixed-paper fibers are smaller than cardboard or office paper, this paper is recycled into lesser-quality paper products, such as coffee filters, egg cartons and paper towels.įind Recycling Guides for Other Materialsįrequent Shredded Paper Recycling Questions Can I recycle shredded paper in my curbside recycling program? Finally, the fibers are rolled and dried, then sent off to make new products. Then, any ink and adhesive is removed and the paper fibers start bonding together. Shredded paper is then baled and sent to a mill.Īt the mill, there are machines called pulpers that introduce water and chemicals to break down the paper into fibers. Shredded paper is classified as mixed paper, so the first step in recycling is to separate it from cardboard, office paper and newspaper grades. There is no law against searching through your garbage for personal information, but thieves are unlikely to try and piece together shredded paper in your recycling bin.Americans average seven trees per year in paper use, and we only recover about 66 percent of it for recycling.If you are partnering with a commercial shredding company (such as for your business), make sure to ask for a certificate of destruction once the recycling is complete.įind drop-off spots for shredded paper using our Recycling Locator.You’ll want to check locally for your city’s instructions. When you’re ready to empty the shredder, most recycling programs will ask that you put shredded paper in a larger container, such as a paper or plastic bag.If you are shredding paper at home, make sure to read the manual and operate with safety.
But don’t shred for no reason, because this significantly reduces the paper’s recycling market. One of the best ways to avoid identity theft is to shred documents with personal information, such as bills and receipts.
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