Paper Shredding

Shredded paper is not recyclable in your curbside bin

Shredded paper, as well as other objects that are too small (like tiny caps or non-recyclables such as plastic straws and utensils), can fall between the gaps of our sorting equipment, clog our machines, or contaminate other recycling streams. Even if/when bagged, shredded paper can go by pre-sort line workers without being pulled off if there are higher priority items such as tanglers or dangerous materials coming through. Because of these issues, shredded paper can enter a recycling center without ever reaching its highest potential of being recycled into new paper products.

BEFORE SHREDDING, consider reducing by only shredding what must be shredded – such as account numbers – and then the rest of the paper can be recycled normally. You may also rip off just the sensitive information portion or compost your shredded paper.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH SHREDDED PAPER — There are many disposal options of shredded paper:

• Recycle it through one of the shredded paper outlets mentioned below
• Compost it in your backyard compost pile or curbside compost service
• Use it as mulch for around your garden beds or nest-building material for birds
• Place it in your trash bin