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…