Why can't shredded paper be recycled???

Question

Why can't shredded paper be recycled???

Answer 1

How should I recycle it?Some local authorities will accept shredded paper together with your other paper items via your local authority’s kerbside collections or at your nearest paper bank. If so:

Make sure it is free of plastic.

Don't put it loose into open recycling boxes as it will blow away!

Other local authorities ask for shredded paper to be recycled in the cardboard recycling banks only. Check your local authority’s website, or give them a ring to make sure.

If your local authority does not accept shredded paper, then either don't shred it (if appropriate) or give it to a private company to dispose of.

Understanding shredded paper issuesSome local authorities will not collect shredded paper. This is because although, technically, shredded paper can be recycled, some paper mills cannot take it. There are two main reasons for this;

the average fibre length paper has decreases with shredding, and thus paper made from it will be weaker, and

shredded paper can be difficult to handle at the mill and dependant on the equipment there, it can cause maintenance problems and fire hazards.

What else can I do with it?Avoid it!

Avoid shredding your papers - unless you are worried about confidential information getting into the wrong hands. This will make the paper more easily recyclable.

Answer 2

My local authority does recycle shredded paper, but I take mine to a local vet office where they use it for bedding for small animals.  They're very happy to get it!  Might be worth finding out if you have a local vet to take yours to.

Answer 3

I know some people who love to use it for horse bedding. Apparently its lovely and warm, and they are often willing to come and collect. I love to think of a beautifull horse having a nap on all our absurdly paranoid wasted paper. Why not other animals I wonder? as long as they dont eat it (I'm sure the ink isnt too healthy) You could offer it to animal lovers via a website called freecycle, its a wonderfull way of offering something which may be of use to others, do check it out if you can. Good luck x

Answer 4

Can't say why it can't be recycled as such but do put my shredded paper in to my compost bin where it does get recycled along with garden waste and all sorts of other stuff, to be re-born as wonderful compost for my plants giving me a great sense of achievement, and vegetables! Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Shredded paper can be recycled.  The problem is in the collection of the paper.  Shredded paper is bulkier and must be seperated from the newspaper.  It often turns out more expensive to collect than the value of the paper.

Answer 6

Other than a security issue, i.e what was printed on the paper, there is no reason why shredded paper can't be recycled.