How-To 4 min read · 2026-10-10

Can You Recycle Shredded Paper?

Shredded paper seems like it should be easy to recycle — it's just paper, after all. But those tiny pieces cause real problems at the recycling facility, and many programs won't take them loose. Here's how to recycle shredded paper the right way, plus better alternatives.

Why Loose Shreds Are a Problem

Loose shredded paper is too small for the sorting equipment at a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The shreds fall through the screens, blow around and make a mess, and contaminate other material streams. Because of that, many curbside programs won't accept loose shredded paper at all. Shredding also shortens the paper fibers, so shredded paper can only be recycled a limited number of times.

How to Recycle It — Contain It

If your program does accept shredded paper, it almost always has to be contained, not loose. The most widely accepted method is to put the shreds in a paper bag or cardboard box and staple or tape it shut. Some programs allow a clear plastic bag (so the facility can see the fiber) as the one exception to their no-plastic-bags rule — but many others reject plastic bags entirely and send them to the landfill. When in doubt, use a paper bag, and check your local rules first.

Better Alternatives

Often the easiest options aren't curbside at all. Clean shredded paper is an excellent carbon-rich "brown" for home composting, and it works great as packing or void-fill material. Many communities also run shred-day events or mixed-paper drop-off bins that bale the paper for recycling. Note that shredding sensitive documents for security is a separate service — see our document shredding guide for where to do that.

💡 Key Takeaways

Loose shredded paper falls through sorting screens — many programs reject it
If accepted, contain it in a paper bag or box (safest); plastic bags vary by program
Compost clean shreds as a 'brown,' or reuse them as packing material
Shred-day events and mixed-paper drop-offs often bale shredded paper

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recycle shredded paper?

The material is recyclable, but loose shreds are a problem — they fall through MRF sorting screens and contaminate other streams, so many curbside programs won't take them loose. Whether it's recycled depends on your local program and how you contain it.

Can I put shredded paper out for curbside recycling?

Usually only if it's contained. Loose shreds end up as trash or contamination, so most programs require you to bag the shreds — and even then, not all accept them. Check your local rules before putting shredded paper in the cart.

How should I bag shredded paper for recycling?

Put it in a paper bag or cardboard box and staple or tape it shut — the most widely accepted method. Some programs allow a clear plastic bag so the fiber is visible, but many reject plastic bags outright, so use a paper bag unless your program says otherwise.

What else can I do with shredded paper?

Compost it (it's a great carbon-rich 'brown'), reuse it as packing material, or take it to a mixed-paper drop-off or a community shred-day event that bales it. For securely destroying sensitive documents, see our document shredding guide.

🔗 Related recycling resources

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