A stack of old bills, tax records, or other paperwork can turn into a full bag of shredded paper surprisingly fast. Since regular office paper usually belongs in the recycling bin, it seems logical that homeowners should also be able to recycle shredded paper.
The problem isn’t necessarily the paper itself. Shredding changes its size, making it much harder for some recycling facilities to sort and collect. That’s why one community may accept shredded paper while another tells residents to put it in the trash or take it somewhere else.
Here’s why shredded paper causes problems for some recycling programs and how homeowners can dispose of it properly.
Why Shredded Paper Causes Recycling Problems
Shredded paper can be surprisingly difficult for recycling facilities to handle. Full sheets are easier to sort, while tiny shreds can fall through equipment or get mixed with other waste.
Tampa, Florida, says its recycling system can’t properly sort shredded paper because the pieces are too small and light. Shredding also shortens the paper fibers, which can make them less useful for producing new paper. Portland, Oregon, gives another reason for keeping it out of the bin. Loose shreds can scatter and mix with dust and debris during sorting, keeping them out of the recycling stream.
Why Some Recycling Programs Still Accept Shredded Paper
Rules for shredded paper vary by location. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends checking with the local recycling program because each community handles it differently.
Some places still accept it. Gainesville, Florida, requires shreds in a closed, labeled paper bag, while Fremont, California, calls for a sealed paper bag. Portland takes the opposite approach. The city stopped accepting bagged shredded paper curbside because bags can tear during sorting and release the pieces.
The safest approach is to follow the rules for the local recycling program rather than assume another city’s guidelines apply.
What Should Homeowners Do With Shredded Paper?
Homeowners should check local recycling rules before tossing shredded paper in the bin. Some programs accept it curbside, while others send residents to a drop-off site or tell them to throw it away.
Plastic bags usually aren’t a good workaround. Many curbside programs don’t accept them, and they can also make shredded paper harder to sort. If the local program doesn’t accept shredded paper, residents should follow their city or hauler’s disposal instructions.
Homeowners can also reduce shredded paper by shredding only documents that contain personal information. Other paper may be easier to recycle intact. Going paperless for bills and statements can reduce the pile even further.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “How Do I Recycle Common Recyclables”
- City of Tampa Solid Waste, “Recycling FAQs”
- Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, “Yes, You Can Recycle Pizza Boxes (and Other Recycling Updates)”
- City of Gainesville Public Works, “Recycle Collection”
- City of Fremont Environmental Services, “Recycling Guide: Single Family”
The post The Surprising Reason Shredded Paper Can’t Always Go in the Recycling Bin appeared first on Family Handyman.
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