Shredded Paper
Don't shred it unless you have to!
Shredding important documents is a common security measure for businesses and households
How should I recycle it?
Some local authorities will accept shredded paper together with your other paper items via your local authority’s kerbside collections or at your nearest paper bank. If so:
- Make sure it is free of plastic.
- Don't put it loose into open recycling boxes as it will blow away!
Other local authorities ask for shredded paper to be recycled in the cardboard recycling banks only. Check your local authority’s website, or give them a ring to make sure.
If your local authority does not accept shredded paper, then either don't shred it (if appropriate) or give it to a private company to dispose of.
Understanding shredded paper issues
Some local authorities will not collect shredded paper. This is because although, technically, shredded paper can be recycled, some paper mills cannot take it. There are two main reasons for this;
- the average paper fibre length has decreases with shredding, and thus paper made from it will be weaker, and
- shredded paper can be difficult to handle at the mill and dependant on the equipment there, it can cause maintenance problems and fire hazards.
What else can I do with it?
Avoid it!Avoid shredding your papers - unless you are worried about confidential information getting into the wrong hands. This will make the paper more easily recyclable.
Reusing Ideas
- Try using it as packing material for sending fragile items by post
- Compost It - You can put shredded paper in your compost bin. This is particularly useful if the material in your compost bin is too wet.
