Can I recycle shredded paper?

Question

I recently bought a paper shredder to destroy a lot of old document that I have. I was wondering if I can put the shredded paper out on the curb to be recycled in our paper recycling bin or will the city not take it?

Answer 1

It depends on the recycling program in your area. All paper is NOT created equal. It is either made by physically pulping the wood or by chemically pulping the wood. Each has their advantages but it affects how they are used and how they are recycled.

The problem with mixing is it may contaminate the paper it is mixed with causing it all to be down-cycled and in some cases thrown away. You should contact the company doing your recycling.

Answer 2

I think the main reason more companies don't recycle it is because they don't feel there is money to be made in recycling shredded paper. It is unfortunate because in the long run there is a higher cost to buying new paper and causing more trees to have to be cut down. I would say if you are going to burn it and not recycle it then use the paper to help start your grill if you use charcoal or to start a fire in the fireplace or when camping. If you use it to start your charcoal in a grill then you don't have to use lighter fluid and your food will taste a lot better. By the way thank you to the previous poster who gave instructions on how to recycle the shredded paper. I will put them to good use once I have an apartment of my own.

Answer 3

I am not sure how your town's program works, but a great way to recycle shredded paper is to put it in a compost pile.

If you don't have a pile, many town/cities have a place where you can take the shredded paper.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Definitely. You can mix it with water and flour for paper mache projects. (check schools and see if any classes are going to do paper mache).

You can make paper mache pulp out of it with the flour and water or glue. mix with your hands until it is the consistency of clay then sculpt. You might have to put wire in some pieces to reinforce thinner areas.

Make home made paper. You put in a blender with water and liquefy a few seconds until it is all mushy. pour water and all over a piece of window screen or plastic canvas. Pull straight up out of the water and set on a towel then use a wet sponge to press on it to get the excess water out. Let it dry then take off of the screen.

Press the same pulp in a ceramic cookie mold. Press out the water and let dry then pop out of the mold. Spray the mold with cooking oil spray or WD40 first.

Is there a paper mill in your area that makes paper. They might take it and recycle it.

Check with goodwill stores and see if they shred paper for businesses and ask what they do with theirs.

Use it for packing breakable to mail or sell to businesses for the same thing.

Or if you know someone that does Raku ceramics. They can use it for the reducing step in their craft.

There are a lot of uses for shredded paper.

Answer 5

I would think so as long as they pick up paper shredded paper is still paper they recycle it by making it into a big mush any way

Answer 6

yes, recyclers are fine with shredded paper. Almost everyone has shredders in their home these days to protect privacy. Where have you been all these past uhm maybe 10 yrs? Corporations also shred important documents. Homes shred credit card bills to protect against identity theft.
paper is paper is paper. Its welcome in any shape

Answer 7

Yes the city will take it. I would use it as mulch in my garden.. Fall is the perfect time for it!

Answer 8

Yeah, they will take it. I work at an accounting office and they always take ours.

Answer 9

yep