 Why we don't collect shredded paper in the kerbside collection system
A statement by Project Integra, December 2006
Shredded paper has been a feature of office waste for many years. It has recently become more common in the household waste stream as people have become concerned about identity theft.
What’s the problem with shredded paper?
Most shredded paper is of a high grade and could be recycled. The problem is the paper strips are too small and light to be separated during sorting at our MRF processing facilities.
Why has the system been set up this way?
Kerbside recycling in Hampshire has been set up to make recycling easy. Householders are asked to place paper, card, cans and plastic bottles loosely in just one bin, box or sack.
Making recycling easy means that more people take part and we get much more material from kerbside collections to sort at one of our two very large MRF sorting facilities. Most sorting is done automatically using conveyor belts to move material around.
Small pieces of paper (for example till receipts) and shredded paper are too small and light to be picked up by the equipment we use. They end up passing thorough the system and are disposed of.
Are you doing anything to change the system?
We keep up to date with developments in technology and will consider any practical changes. At the moment it would not be economic to change the system to deal with shredded paper
What’s the smallest sized paper I should put in my recycling bin, sack or box?
Most pieces of paper or card size A5 (half the size of this sheet) should be picked up without problem. Beyond this, The smaller the paper, the lower the chance that it will make it through the system to be recycled
What can I do with shredded paper?
There are at least five things that you can do with shredded paper:
(1) Shredded paper can be used as protective packing in boxes if moving house or storing fragile items.
(2) Shredded paper can sometimes be used as animal bedding - but first check it is suitable for your pet.
(3) Shredded paper can be composted along with kitchen peelings or garden waste at home in a compost heap or compost bin. You can avoid it being blown around if it is damped down or mixed with wet material.
(4) Shredded paper can be placed in paper banks. The system for processing paper from paper banks is different and there is less chance that the paper will be lost.
(5) Place shredded paper in your ordinary rubbish bin. Most household waste in Hampshire that is not recycled is now burned cleanly in one of our three energy recovery facilities. These generate electricity for the national grid. Some household waste is sent for landfill.
Useful links
www.wrap.org.uk
www.wastewatch.co.uk |
