Here’s a question from one of our readers that came in via email:
“I shred my personal documents in a paper shredder, which collects in a plastic bag. Since you’re not supposed to put plastic bags in the bin, should you just dump the shredded material loosely in the recycling bin?”
In short, no.
According to Zero Waste and Litter Director Nic Esposito, shredded paper is too small to get sorted properly at the MRF.
“Unless it’s a specialty shredded paper recycler, it’s not getting recycled because the shredded paper in single stream is getting mixed with the crushed glass.”
So what can you do with shredded paper? The better move is using it for composting as a brown material.
Photo by Tomoe Steineck on Unsplash
Catch up on the latest sustainability news: 25 Philly-Area Solar for Schools grants awarded. Lawmakers…
Green Century has helped investors and businesses support the planet, not polluters, for over 30…
In a bid to improve public safety, quality of life initiatives are bringing brighter lights…
Catch up on this week's sustainability news: New public orchard and gateway garden at Penn…
Consumers want authentic sustainability from suppliers. Without flashy funding or shortcuts, here's how these local…
The transit agency may look drastically different if Harrisburg doesn’t act. Here are the key…