Skip to main content
  1. Re-Cycle
  2. Paper
  3. How to Recycle Shredded Paper
How to Recycle Shredded Paper

How to Recycle Shredded Paper

Updated 3 January 2020 01:29 PM
Shredded paper from a home office or business should not make its way into landfill – there are many options for its reuse or recycling and it is eminently compostable.

Non-glossy shredded paper is suitable for recycling with many councils in your council recycling bin. Some councils won’t take it because it is impossible to manually pull out from your other recyclables.  If you can keep it in the box it came in, that is really useful to keep it away from other items.

Instead of recycling the shredded paper, try and repurpose or reuse it first. Use in your fireplace or BBQ as fire kindling. Use as packing material to protect fragile items. Take your shredded paper to your local animal shelter such as RSPCA as they will gratefully accept it for bedding purposes. Or use it in your cat litter box instead of commercial litter products.
Something incorrect here? Suggest an update below:
ekko.world
Science Notes
Some companies turn shredded paper into household insulation.

Every tonne of paper recycled saves thirteen trees, more than two barrels of oil, over 4000kW of electricity, over 30000L of water and four cubic metres of landfill.

Related Tip
You can also compost your shredded paper; just add it to your compost bin. Remember that your compost needs to be moist, so do not add to much shredded paper at one time. For more information on composting see our How to Compost tip.

Find a Recycler