Shredded Paper
Bag it in paper.
Seal it shut.
RecycleOn Centers accept shredded paper in a paper bag — rolled or stapled closed. Loose shreds and plastic bags don’t work.
Rule of Thumb
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Already shredded From a home or office shredder
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In a paper bag Never plastic, never loose
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Rolled or stapled shut Sealed so nothing escapes
Bring it in
Keep it out
Sorting, at a Glance
What Goes In, What Stays Out
The material is simple — it’s the packaging that decides whether it can be recycled. Bring shredded paper in a paper bag that is rolled or stapled shut.
Yes – bring these in
- Shredded office paper
- Shredded mail or documents
- Shredded bills and statements
- Shreds from home or office shredders
No – keep these out
- Non-shredded paper
- Loose shredded paper (no bag)
- Shredded paper in plastic bags
- Shreds mixed with trash or other recyclables
- Wet or moldy shredded paper
Frequently Asked Questions
More detail on why these rules exist, what happens to your recycling and how the law defines accepted materials.
Why can't loose shredded paper go in my curbside cart?
Shredded paper doesn’t go in home or work recycling carts because the small pieces fall through the sorting machines and aren’t recycled. When it’s collected in sealed paper bags at RecycleOn Centers, it can be handled properly.
Can I use a plastic bag instead?
No, plastic bags can get mixed in with the paper during the recycling process.
Does the bag need to be sealed?
The bag needs to be rolled or stapled shut before being dropped off.
Can I bring whole documents to shred?
No, RecycleOn Centers only accept pre-shredded documents. You can recycle other paper in your curbside recycling bin.
What if my shredded paper got wet?
All paper should be dry before recycling. This helps prevent mold growth.
What happens after I drop it off?
After collection, the shredded paper goes to a paper mill, where it is mixed with other recycled paper and turned into new paper products like newspaper, toilet paper and other paper items.
What does the law say?
Looking to learn more about exactly what is recyclable? Below is how the law defines these materials.
“Shredded paper” – the law doesn’t provide a deeper definition.