Disposing of shredded paper isn’t as simple as ordinary paper, which can just go straight into your mixed recycling bin or paper and cardboard container. That’s because shredded paper can wrap itself around recycling machinery, causing costly breakdowns. Read on to find out what the best thing to do with shredded paper is wherever you live in Surrey.
Do you need to shred your paper?
If you don’t need to shred your paper, then don’t do it. That way you can put your paper into your recycling bin or paper and cardboard container and it will be recycled. Easy!
Find another use for your shredded paper
Shredded paper is very useful when it comes to creating compost. So, if you have a compost bin or heap, this should be the first port of call for your shredded paper. Visit our webpage on home composting to find out more about composting and to buy a reduced-price compost bin.
Shredded paper can also be used as bedding for animals such as hamsters or chickens or it could be used as packaging to protect items that you’re sending through the post.
How to recycle shredded paper in Surrey
Wherever you live in Surrey, you can recycle shredded paper from home. However, only small amounts of it can be recycled at any one time so that the paper doesn’t escape and damage machinery. Small amounts must be placed into an envelope, cardboard box or paper bag before being recycled. Here are the different ways you can recycle shredded paper in Surrey:
Put it in your recycling bin (or paper and cardboard container if you live in the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council area)
Place small amounts of shredded paper into an envelope, cardboard box or paper bag before putting it into your recycling bin (or paper and cardboard container if you live in the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council area).
Take it to a community recycling centre (CRC)
Place small amounts of shredded paper into an envelope, cardboard box or paper bag before taking it to any CRC in Surrey.
Take it to a local recycling bank
If you live in Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead or Spelthorne, you can recycle shredded paper at some recycling banks. Place small amounts of shredded paper into an envelope, cardboard box or paper bag before taking it to a recycling bank. Please visit our webpage on bins, bulky and other waste collections in Surrey to find out which recycling banks accept paper.
What happens to shredded paper when it is recycled?
Shredded paper, along with paper and card, is recycled into new paper and card products. To find out more, visit our webpage on what happens to your waste.
To find out what to do with other types of waste where you live in Surrey, use the Surrey Recycles search tool.