Can Shredded Paper Be Recycled? If So, How?

Professional shredding companies have processes in place to ensure that your shredded documents are recycled in an environmentally-friendly way. After the shredding process takes place, the shredded particles are sent to a paper mill to be repurposed into a new recycled paper product. 

Is It Safe To Throw Away Shredded Documents?

It is not 100% safe to throw away shredded documents in the trash. Depending on the particle size of your shredder, it is possible for bad actors to recover the shredded documents from your trash or dumpster and then piece the documents back together to steal your sensitive information. 

Composting?

Certain types of paper such as newsprint can be used for composting after being shredded. Types of paper that are safe for composting include newspaper, notebook paper, personal letters, bills, envelopes, copy paper, and receipts. However, many colored and glossy paper materials should not be used for composting because they contain chemicals that could be toxic or harmful to nature. Types of paper that are unsafe for composting include construction paper, glossy paper, magazine pages, fluorescent colored paper, etc. 

What Do Shredding Companies Do With Shredded Paper?

After the shredding process takes place, the shredded particles are sent to a paper mill to be repurposed into a new recycled paper product. At the paper mill, the particles are turned into pulp which is processed into tissue paper materials and made into products like toilet paper, paper towels, and facial tissues. 

How To Shred And Recycle

Bringing your old documents to a Guard Docs drop-off center, or having your documents picked up by a Guard Docs shred truck, ensures that your documents are properly shredded and recycled. You can look up a nearby drop-off center on our locations page, or you can call us or fill out a webform to get started on your next project!