In Australia, you generally can't put loose shredded paper in your yellow recycling bin because it's too small and falls through sorting machinery, but you can often recycle it if it's contained within a paper bag, cardboard box, or large envelope; otherwise, it goes in general waste or can be composted/used as pet bedding. Rules vary by council, so always check your local council's guide, but containing it is the key for yellow bin inclusion.
In Australia, you generally can't put loose shredded paper in your yellow-lidded recycling bin as it's too small and contaminates the stream; instead, use it in your green FOGO/compost bin, put it in a paper bag or envelope before the yellow bin (check local rules!), use it as pet bedding or garden mulch, or dispose of it in the red landfill bin if other options aren't available.
Guidance. There are two ways to recycle shredded paper: You can put it in a paper envelope and then put it in with your household recycling. This is so that it doesn't blow around everywhere when picked up or go everywhere in the recycling facility.
Ways to reuse shredded paper
Shredded paper is compostable as long as it's not colored or glossy. If you are adding a lot of shredded paper to your home compost pile, add some grass to lower the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Shredding a piece of paper shortens its fibers, which limits its recycling potential and reduces its value.
While not accepted curbside, shredded paper can be placed in a plastic bag and dropped off directly to the Recycle Center.
Shredded Paper is good for your plants. This will help retain soil moisture, restrict weed growth, maintain optimal soil temperature and improve fertility in general.
Neglecting Recycling
This means your shredded documents end up in the landfill rather than being recycled, harming the environment. To prevent this, opt for a shredding provider with eco-friendly practices.
You can't easily recycle shredded paper in regular bins because the small pieces fall through sorting machinery, get lost, contaminate other recyclables, or become litter, but it is recyclable if contained in a sealed paper bag or box for specialized collection programs or drop-off, as the fibers are valuable but need specific handling to prevent jamming and loss at facilities.
For paper to decompose it takes between two and six weeks. This is relatively quick compared to other materials, but it can be two to five months before the paper completely disappears if it's disposed of in landfill.
Paper shredders increase security risks. You shred your documents to prevent identity theft and maintain the confidentiality of your information. But your paper shredding machine doesn't offer the most secure method for completely destroying confidential information.
is Shredded paper compostable? Not only is it possible to compost shredded paper, but it's a great addition to the compost process! Because it is already cut into small pieces, shredded paper has an aerated structure that helps to give compost the oxygen it needs to break all the materials down.
10 things you shouldn't put in your compost (and why!)
There are also a couple of possible disadvantages to sheet mulching with cardboard: Cardboard creates an interface that limits the flow of water and air into the soil. That could create problems for existing plants whose roots are under the cardboard-covered soil, especially if the cardboard is thick.
Since they're biodegradable, toilet paper rolls are a great compost material. Just be sure to shred the tubes into smaller pieces before mixing them into your compost. “Toilet paper rolls decompose naturally alongside organic matter,” says Sons.
Banana peels are packed with potassium, phosphorus, and calcium — nutrients that are essential for plant growth. They decompose quickly, making them a fantastic addition to your compost pile. Plus, by composting peels instead of tossing them in the trash, you help reduce landfill waste.
You should not compost onions, garlic, and citrus peels in large amounts (they're too acidic/repel worms), diseased plants (spreads illness), Black Walnut tree debris (toxic juglone), and any vegetables cooked with oils, fats, dairy, or meat, as these attract pests and disrupt the balance, but many vegetable scraps like peels, stalks, and leaves are great for compost.
In Australia, you generally can't put loose shredded paper in your yellow-lidded recycling bin as it's too small and contaminates the stream; instead, use it in your green FOGO/compost bin, put it in a paper bag or envelope before the yellow bin (check local rules!), use it as pet bedding or garden mulch, or dispose of it in the red landfill bin if other options aren't available.
Keep reading to discover what you can do with your shredded paper.
Paper cartons are compostable!
If you have a home compost, rip up your paper egg carton into small pieces and add it in! These cartons are made from paperboard, which works as a “brown”, carbon material to help the pile break down more quickly.
How to Destroy Paper Documents without a Shredder: 6 Effective Alternatives
Even if they're old statements, they should be shredded. Your name, address, phone number, and bank account information are in those statements, along with your habits, purchases, and banking history. Even if the account is closed, shred it anyway.
Environmental impacts
As well as being potentially detrimental to health, these fumes can negatively impact the environment. The other clear advantage of shredding rather than burning is recyclability. By burning your documents, you remove that resource from the planet.
Don't:
By carefully incorporating shredded paper into your compost pile, you can recycle this common household waste into valuable, nutrient-rich compost for your garden. It's always best to avoid unnecessary shredding but if you need to, recycle shredded paper in a blue bin or, if it's the right type of paper, compost it.