Shredded paperposes a unique challenge when it comes to recycling. Its small size makes it difficult to sort, leading to confetti-like litter at recycling centers. Additionally, shredded materials often contain plastics, such as those found in credit cards, envelopes with plastic windows, and shiny papers, making them unsuitable for yard waste composting.Therefore, Waste Management asks that youbag and dispose of shredded paper in the trash.Other Recycling OptionsTo recycle shredded paper, consider attending free community shred events or using paid services from office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot. These professional services ensure the paper is recycled properly, as sorting is not required.Community shred events can be found on theWashington Attorney General’swebsite, providing a convenient option for safe and efficient disposal.The nextKirkland Recycling Collection Eventthat includes shredding will be in May; more details will be available online in April.Limit Shredding
When deciding to shred documents, it’s crucial to limit shredding to necessary items. Shredding shortens paper fibers, and they can then only be used to produce lower-quality paper products like tissues, which cannot be recycled further. We recommend shredding only documents with personally identifiable information, while recycling non-sensitive materials. For example, you can remove inserts from envelopes to recycle the envelope itself and only shred pages within packets that contain sensitive information. Avoid shredding coated or plastic materials altogether for better recycling practices.
