Small strips, big questions

How to recycle shredded paper

Got a pile of shredded paper and not sure what to do with it? You are not alone.  Surprisingly, it’s one of the most common recycling questions we get.

While shredded paper looks recyclable, it can’t go straight into your recycling bin loose. The small strips can wrap around recycling machinery causing breakdowns. In short, it's excellent at identity protection but terrible at behaving.

The good news is there are simple steps you can take to deal with it responsibly.

Do you actually need to shred it?

If you don’t need to shred paper, recycle it whole instead.

Whole paper can be recycled easily and efficiently by placing it straight into your recycling bin or paper and cardboard container.

Save the shredder for the bank statements – not the letters from your ex.

Unexpectedly useful

Shredded paper isn’t useless, there are many ways it can be used around the home:

• Add it to your compost – it’s a great “brown” material and helps balance food waste
• Use it as animal bedding for pets like hamsters or rabbits, or even for chickens
• Reuse it as packaging, cushioning fragile items when posting parcels

How to recycle shredded paper in Surrey

If you want to recycle shredded paper, the key rule is keep it contained.

• Put small quantities of shredded paper into an envelope, cardboard box or paper bag, then place it in your recycling bin or paper and cardboard container.
• You can also take it, contained in the same way, to any Community Recycling Centre (CRC) in Surrey.
• If you live in Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead, or Spelthorne, some local recycling banks accept small amounts of shredded paper. Visit your local council website to find out more.

Shredded paper doesn't ask for much, just containment.

For more tips on recycling and reducing waste, visit the Surrey Environment Partnership website.