Recycling Shredding

[Prudie]

Are you allowed to put shredded paper in the normal paper/cardboard recycling? We are not allowed at work, it has to be collected by a separate company but I don't know why.

[gingejbee]

Possibly company policy for extra security purposes?
At domestic level, it depends on your own council's policy. Some do allow shredded paper (mine does), others don't. It depends on whether their "system" is designed to process it.

[jomifl]

Prudie, I enquired about this when I was in the UK. apparently shreddings are not wanted in domestic collections because they escape in the collection and processing. However if you put them in a sturdy bag or box it is OK (or used to be)

[ummmm]

I dunk them in a sink of hot water, squeeze into a ball and then put them in the recycling bin.

[aelmpvw]

don't know the rules and regulations but putting shredded paper loose in a wheelie bin isn't a good idea

[gingejbee]

It's not loose - it's bagged up.

[boxtops]

Prudie, in our council, yes you are. I put the shredded paper in the bottom of the bin with more heavy items (e.g. newspapers) on top, to stop the shreadding blowing away.

We do the same at work with "normal" shredding - any papers for confidential shredding are collected separately and shredded off-site.

[aelmpvw]

why did you think my post was directed at you gingejbee?

[boxtops]

It could be directed at me, too - loose shredding in our paper recycling diustbin causes no problem at all.

[bravejordy]

Wirral Borough Council doesn't allow it. Here's a quote from their leaflet, under the heading "Do Not Put These Items in Your Grey Recycling Bin".

"Shredded Paper - When paper is shredded into small pieces the fibres are then too small to be recycled. Shredded paper can be put in a home compost bin."

Like gingejbee said, it depends on your local council's policy (perhaps you could check their website for information regarding what is acceptable).

[gingejbee]

I didn't - I was merely saying how my council likes it!

[boxtops]

I wouldn't put it in my compost bin (although I could) - I have far to much shredding each fortnight to give me decent compost.

[aelmpvw]

my point is i don't like my village looking like it has had a ton of confetti dropped on it when someone's bin gets blown over

[boxtops]

Ah, fair point, but I put my bin out (with the lid on) the night before - I only take the lid off just before the dustmen come at 7am.

[pusskin]

All our shredded stuff goes in with paper, cardboard etc in a big orange bag.
No problems here.

[Prudie]

I have now checked my council website and it doesn't mention shredding at all so none the wiser. I did wonder bravejordy that there was some technical reason why it wouldn't breakdown properly plus there is the issue of the mess it would make when the guys tip it into the lorry (in my area paper stuff goes in a polythene bag which is returned).

[friedgreentomato]

At work shredded paper is collected by a secure company but at home shredded paper goes in either my compost bin or my compost wheelie bin!

[pusskin]

Our orange paper bags are not returned, they get chucked in the cart.
I'd hate have a dustbin that has to be put out every week like I had to in my old house.

[Prudie]

There's a massive variation cross-country in the extent of kerbside recycling available. I only have a box for glass/cans and a bag for paper, no food, plastic, garden etc yet a friend only 20 miles away gets the whole shebang.

[Zacs-Master]

Ah well

[Prudie]

Oh thanks for the sympathy vote Zacs, AB is such a loving place :-)