Ethan Clarke
Whether you can throw paper away in plastic bags depends on the type of paper and the local waste management guidelines. For example, some municipalities in the US advise against using plastic bags for leaf disposal, instead recommending paper bags that can break down in landfills. However, shredded paper is an exception, as some recycling providers can recycle it if placed in a plastic shopping or drawstring trash bag to keep it contained. Before disposing of paper in plastic bags, it is essential to check with local waste management services or recycling providers to ensure compliance with their specific guidelines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper type | Shredded paper |
| Plastic bag type | Shopping bag or drawstring trash bag |
| Plastic bag colour | Transparent or clear blue |
| Bag state | Tied closed with knots or easy-ties |
| Other materials in the bag | No other recyclable materials |
| Paper bag alternative | Paper bags are acceptable and will break down in landfills |
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What You'll Learn
Shredded paper disposal
Shredded paper can be disposed of in a variety of ways, depending on your location and the facilities available to you. Some recycling providers can recycle shredded paper, but it is important to check with your local provider first to confirm if they accept it and if they have any specific requirements. For example, some providers may ask that shredded paper is placed in a plastic shopping bag or drawstring trash bag to keep it contained. If you are unable to recycle your shredded paper, you can place it in a black garbage bag and throw it away in the trash. To ensure the security of your documents, you can distribute the shredded paper across multiple trash cans or mix it with food scraps and pet waste.
Another option for shredded paper disposal is to compost it. However, it is important to remove any non-compostable materials, such as staples and plastic envelope windows, before shredding and composting the paper. If composting is not an option, you can also get creative and find alternative uses for shredded paper, such as bedding for small animals, an alternative to packing peanuts for mailing fragile items, or as a fire starter for your fireplace or fire pit.
If you have a large quantity of shredded paper to dispose of, you may need to contact your local recycling center to inquire about their specific guidelines and requirements. Some recycling centers may only accept shredded paper from commercial shredding providers in large quantities, so it is important to verify this information before bringing your shredded paper for recycling.
In some cities, there may be specific regulations and guidelines for the proper disposal of shredded paper and other solid waste. For example, the City of Atlanta has a Solid Waste Education Enforcement Team (SWEET) that oversees the enforcement of sanitation regulations, including the proper storage, collection, and disposal of solid waste, recycling, and illegal dumping. It is always a good idea to check with your local authorities or waste management organizations to understand any specific rules or recommendations for shredded paper disposal in your area.
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Paper bag vs plastic bag
The debate between paper bags and plastic bags has been ongoing for a long time, with both having their benefits and drawbacks. The general assumption is that paper is more environmentally friendly than plastic, but this is not always the case.
The manufacturing of paper bags requires a high amount of energy, about four times more than plastic bags. Paper bags also require cutting down trees, an energy-intensive pulping process, and the use of toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. In addition, paper bags are five to seven times heavier than plastic bags, which means more trucks are needed for transportation, resulting in more air pollution.
On the other hand, plastic bags are derived from petroleum, a finite resource. As it becomes increasingly limited, obtaining it becomes more damaging to the environment. Plastic bags are also more difficult to recycle and can cause significant environmental damage when disposed of improperly. They take hundreds of years to degrade and can harm marine animals and their habitat if disposed of in the ocean.
However, plastic bags have a lower environmental impact per bag, as paper bags must be reused at least three times to negate their higher climate-warming potential. Paper bags are also more susceptible to water damage and are easier to tear.
In terms of disposal, paper bags are better than plastic bags as they are compostable and easier to recycle. Paper bags are also biodegradable, and even when littered, they cause less environmental impact as they degrade much faster than plastic.
Overall, the decision between paper and plastic bags depends on how they are produced, transported, used, and disposed of. Reusing bags, regardless of the type, is better for the environment.
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Recycling shredded paper
Shredded paper is recyclable, but it is less likely to be recycled than sheets of paper due to the small shreds of paper getting lost in collection and processing. The smaller the paper shreds, the less likely they are to be recycled. It is recommended that you only shred paper that contains sensitive information.
Some recycling providers can recycle shredded paper, but you should check with them first. They may ask that you place the shredded paper in a plastic shopping bag or drawstring trash bag to keep it contained. The workers can then remove the paper and empty the bag into a paper recycling stream at the recycling plant. You may also be able to take shredded paper directly to a recycling center, but it is important to call or email ahead to verify that they accept it. Some recycling facilities will not take shredded paper, or they may only accept it from commercial shredding providers in large quantities.
If you plan to use shredded paper for compost, be sure to remove any non-compostable materials such as staples and plastic envelope windows before shredding and dispose of them separately.
There are also other ways to reuse shredded paper. For example, it can be used as bedding for small animals like guinea pigs and hamsters, or as an alternative to packing peanuts for protecting fragile items in the mail. Shredded paper can also be used as a fire starter if you have a fireplace or fire pit.
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Reusing shredded paper
Shredded paper is recyclable, but it's not as simple as just tossing it in the bin. Due to its size, most municipalities have specific processes in place to collect shredded paper effectively. For example, some require shredded paper to be placed in a transparent plastic bag, while others may require it to be put in a closed cardboard box. It is always best to check with your municipality or recycling facility to ensure your shredded paper is processed in an environmentally responsible manner.
If your recycling provider does not accept shredded paper, there are other ways to reuse it. Here are some suggestions:
- Use it as a fire starter for your fireplace or fire pit.
- Use it as bedding for small animals like guinea pigs and hamsters.
- Use it as an alternative to packing peanuts or plastic bubble wrap when shipping items.
- Use it for crafts like papier-mâché or as a filler for gift baskets.
- Turn it into confetti for your next celebration.
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Composting paper
Composting is a great alternative to recycling or throwing paper away in landfills. It is a sustainable process that is both zero waste and zero energy, helping to reduce landfill waste while improving the sustainability of your home, business or event. Paper is an excellent addition to compost as it is naturally carbon-rich, which helps to break down other materials in your bin. Its structure also helps to preserve airflow and absorb moisture, leading to a better finished compost product.
There are many types of paper waste, and not all paper is created equal when it comes to composting. Generally, you can compost most types of paper at home. However, you need to be careful about composting paper with waxy components or other additives, including plastic and glitter, that aren't suited to a compost pile. If in doubt, check the paper composition on the packaging. Additionally, if you use your city's compost program, consult with your municipality to determine their exact rules and regulations.
Some paper products that are safe to compost include:
- Newspapers: Modern newsprint inks are non-toxic and will not negatively affect the compost. However, due to their high lignin content, they tend to break down slowly, so it's best to rip them into strips before tossing them into the compost pile.
- Egg cartons: Egg cartons made from cardboard can be composted, but those made from plastic or polystyrene cannot.
- Paper towels and napkins: Most paper towels and napkins are compostable, even if they are wet or have food residue on them, as their short paper fibres will cause them to break down quickly. However, avoid composting paper towels or napkins that have been used with chemical cleaners or to clean up lots of oil or grease, as these are considered contaminated.
- Toilet paper: Toilet paper is compostable, but only if it is free from bodily fluids or waste, and has not been used with chemicals.
- Cardboard: The glue in cardboard decomposes easily and safely. Cardboard with glossy coatings should be recycled rather than composted.
If you're unsure whether a paper product is safe to compost, a good rule of thumb is to check if it is 100% paper with no gloss or chemical coatings like BPA, plastic or wax. Paper products with these coatings should be recycled rather than composted.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can throw shredded paper away in plastic bags, but check with your recycling provider first. Some providers ask that shredded paper is placed in a plastic bag to keep it contained. Tie the bag closed so that no paper shreds escape.
It depends on where you live. Some places will not pick up plastic bags, so you will need to use paper bags. In some regions outside of city limits, you can put leaves in plastic bags, but they may be cut open before disposal.
No, do not include other recyclable materials in the bag with shredded paper. Paper, cardboard, aluminium, and tin can be recycled, but plastic is a problem.
It is best to use paper bags instead of plastic bags when throwing away paper. Paper bags will break down in landfills, whereas plastic will not.
