5 Facts About Shredded Paper Recycling
Can shredded paper be recycled? In many cases, yes—but shredded paper recycling can be different from recycling whole sheets of paper. The small pieces can behave differently during collection and processing, which means it is important to understand how shredded documents should be disposed of.
If you regularly shred confidential documents, knowing how to handle the shredded paper afterwards can help you protect sensitive information while also disposing of the material responsibly.
Shredded Paper Can Be Recycled
Yes, Paper is a recyclable material, and shredded paper can be processed into new paper products when the appropriate recycling facilities accept it.
However, shredding reduces the size of the paper fibres. Very small pieces can be more difficult to sort and recover during some recycling processes.
This means you should not automatically assume that shredded paper belongs in your household recycling bin. Recycling rules vary between councils and recycling facilities, so always check the requirements for your local area.
Shredded Paper Is Different from Whole Paper
When a sheet of paper is placed into a recycling system, it is relatively easy to collect and process.
Shredded paper is different because the pieces are much smaller. Loose shredded paper can fall through sorting equipment or become difficult to separate from other materials.
The shorter paper fibres can also have a different value and use in the recycling process.
For this reason, some recycling programs accept shredded paper only under specific conditions, while others may not accept it in kerbside recycling at all.
Not Every Recycling Collection Accepts Shredded Paper
One of the most important things to understand about shredded paper recycling is that acceptance depends on the recycling service.
Your local council may have different instructions from another council, and commercial recycling facilities can have their own requirements.
Before putting shredded paper into a recycling bin, check your local council’s current recycling guidelines.
If shredded paper is not accepted through your regular recycling collection, look for an appropriate alternative disposal or recycling service.
How You Handle Shredded Paper Matters
Loose shredded paper can create problems during collection and processing. Depending on the requirements of your local recycling service, you may be asked to contain shredded paper in a particular way—or you may be told not to place it in the recycling bin at all.
Avoid assuming that placing shredded paper inside a plastic bag makes it recyclable. Plastic bags themselves may not be accepted in kerbside recycling and can create additional problems at recycling facilities.
The safest approach is to follow the specific instructions provided by your local council or recycling provider.
Secure Document Shredding Can Help Keep Confidential Paper Out of the Wrong Hands
Recycling is important, but confidential information should be protected before you think about the recycling process.
Documents containing personal, financial, customer, employee or business information should be securely destroyed before disposal.
Professional document shredding provides a secure way to destroy confidential paperwork. Once documents have been securely shredded, the material can be managed according to the requirements of the relevant recycling or waste-processing facility.
For businesses handling large quantities of confidential paperwork, professional shredding can also be more practical than attempting to manage large volumes of shredded documents through regular household recycling.
What Types of Paper Can Be Shredded?
Many common confidential documents can be securely shredded, including:
- Financial records
- Invoices and receipts
- Customer records
- Employee files
- Bank statements
- Tax documents
- Medical and personal records
- Outdated business records
- Confidential correspondence
- Printed reports and paperwork
Before shredding, remove materials that your shredding provider or recycling facility does not accept.
Is Shredded Paper Better Than Throwing Documents in the Bin?
For confidential documents, simply throwing paperwork into general waste can leave sensitive information exposed.
Shredding destroys the documents and makes the information much more difficult to read or reconstruct.
If the documents contain confidential information, secure destruction should be considered before disposal.
Can I Put Shredded Paper in My Recycling Bin?
It depends on your local recycling service.
Some councils and recycling programs accept shredded paper under specific conditions, while others advise residents not to place it in their kerbside recycling bins.
Because recycling systems differ across Australia, check your local council’s current guidelines before placing shredded paper in your recycling bin.
If you are a business with a large quantity of confidential documents, a professional document shredding service may provide a more appropriate solution.
What Happens to Paper After Professional Shredding?
Professional shredding services securely destroy confidential documents before the shredded material is handled for recycling or disposal.
The exact process can vary depending on the shredding provider and recycling facility. Where suitable, shredded paper may be sent for recycling and used as a raw material for new paper products.
This creates an important distinction:
Secure document destruction protects the information. Recycling gives the paper material an opportunity to be recovered and reused.
Shredding Confidential Documents Responsibly
When disposing of confidential paperwork, there are two separate considerations:
1. Protect the information.
Documents containing sensitive information should be securely destroyed.
2. Manage the material responsibly.
After destruction, the shredded material should be handled according to the requirements of the appropriate recycling or waste facility.
Both steps are important for businesses that want to protect confidential information while managing paper waste responsibly.
Does NationalShred Recycle Shredded Paper?
NationalShred provides secure document shredding services for businesses and individuals. Confidential documents are securely destroyed, helping prevent sensitive information from being accessed after disposal.
Where applicable, shredded paper can then be directed through the appropriate recycling or waste-management process.
If you have a large quantity of confidential documents, NationalShred can provide shredding options designed for different volumes and requirements.
