Is shredded paper easier to recycle?

Question

I was at Partners the other day and noticed one of those compact, home-use paper shredders and was wondering if shredded paper is easier to recycle than sheet paper? Stripe-cut, cross-cut or whatever cut they've got to offer.

I do understand that the main reason behind shredding your papers is security but does doing so has any benefits other than piece of mind?

Answer 1

Although it technically CAN be recycled, many recycling companies will frown upon it as, in a shredded state, they can't be 100% sure that it contains nothing but the type of paper they want to recycle. If you want to recycle, it's therefore best NOT to shred it.

However, if you're shredding for security reasons, the shredded paper CAN be added to a compost heap provided it contains no staples, sellotape etc. It probablay also adds to the security given that only the most determined fraudster is goign to start sifting through your compost heap for your vital details!

Answer 2

To answer your question, no.

A re-pulping mill will take either shredded or full sheet paper. The pricing to day is the same for either at most mills. Until recently selling a recycling business we recycled over 10,000 tons a month of both types of paper.

That being said, shredded paper is more bulky and so it is more expensive to transport per pound. As a result many recycling companies do not want to deal with a small volumes of shredded paper.

Answer 3

When paper is recycled it is mixed with water and mashed into a mush and dried so it makes no difference except to the first stage of how your recycle center accepts it. We take both shredded and unshredded paper. If it is sorted by kind and color before shredding it all ends up in the same bales. Shredding is simply for confidentiality of content.

Answer 4

I don't know if it's easier to recycle, but you can definitely recycle it.

You would need to throw it in the paperboard bins b/c paperboard which is collected does NOT go over the sorting lines in the recycling centers. Instead, paper products are baled.

So just be sure you recycle and sort properly to get maximum benefits.

Another good way to recycle shredded paper is to use it for pet bedding. My rats love it!

Answer 5

The easiest and most compact way to recycle paper is to leave it flat. When you shred paper there is space between the strips which after a while takes up space in the bin. On the contrary, is you leave things flat there is no room between the sheets of paper.

Answer 6

besides the curbside recycling program and the hamster bedding already mentioned, yuo can use it to stuff into boxes for shiping or storage, mulching plants (white paper only) and insulating walls and ceilings in a house - humans or dogs.

it's still recycling.

p.s. trying hand-shredding rather than using electricity. you will reduce CO2 emissions from both the electricity you would use by running the shredder and by not purchasing a product manufactured by use of electricity when hand-shredding ain't that difficult or time-consuming ....unless maybe you're a bank.

Answer 7

normal shredders cut the fibers - so it doesn't recycle at all well. Most commercial recyclers won't take it.

there are shreders that tear, or rag, the paper. these are uncommon, but leave the fibers intact.

as mentioned shredding does open up other options like composting & mulching.
It is used for pet bedding, but I don't know the vetinary position about sharp edges.

Answer 8

If you have a shedder and shed your own paper, why not recyle it your self as well. Got a compost heap/bin? Put the paper, tea bags, coffee ground, house hold veg waist and garden waist in the bin. Turn the heap over every week, keep moist and cover with an old carpet and you should have great compost which saves the environment and saves you money as well.

Answer 9

Having worked in such a place it is extremely difficult to recycle shredded paper due to its variable content, it will go through as mixed paper which pays a very low price.

In fact its so low its almost not worth doing

Answer 10

Our recycling company won't take shredded paper so I would guess that it isn't a good thing to shred before recycling