Good Question: Can You Recycle Shredded Paper?

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This question comes from Jennifer:

At my house we have a paper shredder that we use to get rid of personal information. My question is can we recycle the shredded paper? Is that possible? Let me know. Thanks.

Absolutely! If your local recycling service takes paper, there's no reason that they shouldn't accept shredded paper. Here in Berkeley all paper is accepted -- even paper with plastic windows and staples are OK. We include our shredded paper in the paper bag we leave by the curb. We just make sure to smash it down really good and set some heavier paper (newspapers) on top so it doesn't end up all over the neighborhood.

To be safe, we'd recommend contacting your residential recycling provider -- they're the people to ask.

Has anyone had trouble recycling shredded paper?

image via jnatiuk; sxc.hu

Comments (6)

You can compost it...

posted by Elle B on August 12th 2008 at 10:20am
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Yes, you can absolutely recycle shredded paper. If curbside, put it in a paper bag (not plastic) to keep it from blowing away. If still in doubt, check with your hauler.

Better yet -- if you have the space -- keep it and reuse it when sending packages. Better than styrofoam peanuts, and chances are the folks on the receiving end can recycle or reuse it, too!

posted by EnviroMom on August 12th 2008 at 11:07am
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When I worked as a recycling consultant to businesses about 4 years ago we told businesses you can recycle long strip shredded paper but you CAN'T recycle cross hatch paper shreds because the fibers are cut too small to be re-useable in the paper making process. We encouraged people to recycle the strips by putting them in paper bags.

posted by sillahee on August 12th 2008 at 11:13am
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i'll echo sillahee - i've been told the same by officials.

composting or using it as mulch are good options for cross-cut shredded paper.

posted by fivealive1969 on August 12th 2008 at 12:03pm
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I would check with your local recycling plant. Here in Vermont, the shredded paper is recyclable, but they only pick it up if it's in CLEAR PLASTIC bags.

posted by iloveOrange on August 12th 2008 at 2:06pm
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I put it in paper bags and have never had any problem recycling but that will all vary by locale.

I wouldn't compost paper that is bleached white or has colored dyes.

posted by Charlotte on August 16th 2008 at 1:06am
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