Can you recycle shredded paper?

🌱 CompostNot loose in the blue cart — compost it (green) or bag it in paper.

Shredded paper is recyclable material, but loose shreds cause problems: they fall through the sorting screens at the recycling facility and end up as litter or contamination. The better options in LA County are the green compost cart (paper is compostable) or a closed paper bag.

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Best: compost it

Shredded paper is plant fiber, so it can go in the green organics/compost cart — a great use, especially for sensitive documents you've shredded. It also makes good carbon 'browns' for a home compost pile.

If you use the blue cart

Don't dump loose shreds in the recycling — bag them in a closed paper bag (not plastic) so they don't scatter through the facility. Even then, many programs prefer shredded paper in the green cart.

Why it's tricky

Shredding shortens the paper fibers and the small pieces slip through the machinery that sorts paper, so facilities lose most loose shreds.

Shredded Paper — quick FAQ

What do you do with paper that has been shredded?
Put it in the green compost/organics cart (it's compostable), or contain it in a closed paper bag — don't dump loose shreds in the blue recycling cart.
Why can't you recycle shredded paper loose?
The small pieces fall through the sorting screens at the recycling facility, so they become litter or contamination instead of being recycled.
What is the best way to dispose of shredded paper?
Compost it in the green cart. It's plant fiber, so it breaks down well and keeps sensitive shredded documents out of the recycling stream.
How do I dispose of shredded paper at home?
Add it to your green organics cart or a home compost bin; if you must use recycling, seal it in a paper bag first.

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