What to do with shredded material?

Most shredder users shred paper and throw the output directly in the trash without a second thought. This is understandable for high-security documents where the fragments are the final destination — but for lower-security material and for organizations focused on sustainability, shredded paper has several practical secondary uses that are more environmentally responsible than landfill disposal. This guide covers the most practical options for shredded paper output and the considerations that determine which option fits your situation.

For operational guidance on the shredding process that produces the material covered in this guide, see our article at tips for using a paper shredder.

What Is Shredded Material and What Makes It Usable?

Shredded paper is paper that has been mechanically reduced to smaller fragments. Its usability in secondary applications depends primarily on the fragment size produced by the shredder's security level: large strip-cut fragments (P-1, P-2) are more versatile for reuse than tiny micro-cut particles (P-4 through P-7). The size of the fragments affects how well shredded paper can be used for composting (smaller is better for decomposition), packing material (larger strips provide more cushioning), and recycling (all sizes can be recycled with appropriate handling).

The second consideration is content: confidential shredded material should not be used in ways that allow fragment reconstruction — paper packing material for shipped packages, for example, could theoretically allow fragments to be picked through. For shredded confidential documents, landfill disposal or certified secure destruction services are the most appropriate endpoints. For non-confidential shredded paper (internal drafts, outdated non-sensitive documents), the options below are all practical. For shredder security level context, see shredder security levels. For the shredder operating tips that generate most of the shredded material, see tips for using a paper shredder.

Option 1 — Paper Recycling

Standard curbside recycling

Most municipal recycling programs accept shredded paper, but with an important caveat: shredded paper fragments are too small to be sorted by standard optical sorting equipment at recycling facilities. Loose shredded paper fed into standard single-stream recycling often passes through sorting equipment unsorted and ends up in landfill or contaminating other recyclable material. The recommended approach for curbside recycling is to place shredded paper inside a paper bag, close or tape the bag, and place the closed bag in the recycling bin. The bag keeps fragments together and allows the recycling facility to handle the batch as paper rather than as contamination.

Drop-off paper recycling

Many office supply stores, municipal recycling centers, and dedicated paper shredding events accept shredded paper for recycling with less constraint than curbside recycling. Check local drop-off programs for shredded paper specifically. For organizations generating significant volumes of shredded paper, a dedicated paper recycling service may provide collection bins that accept shredded material.

Option 2 — Composting

Paper is carbon-rich "brown" material that provides the carbon component in a healthy compost pile, balancing the nitrogen-rich "green" materials (food scraps, grass clippings). Shredded paper is one of the best composting forms of paper because the small fragments decompose significantly faster than whole sheets or cardboard. Shredded office paper composts fully within 2 to 4 weeks in an active compost pile.

Important considerations for composting shredded paper: use only paper that hasn't been treated with heavy inks, glossy coatings, or chemical treatments. Standard inkjet and laser-printed paper on standard bond stock is appropriate for composting. Shredded glossy paper, coated stock, and heavily ink-printed material may introduce inks and coatings that slow composting or introduce undesirable chemicals. For shredder oiling maintenance that keeps the machine producing consistently shredded output for composting, see how to oil your shredder.

Option 3 — Animal Bedding and Packing Material

Small animal bedding

Shredded paper is widely used as bedding material for small animals — rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, and similar pets. Paper bedding is absorbent, soft, dust-free compared to wood shavings, and completely safe for most small animals when the paper source is unbleached or benign-ink-printed material. Strip-cut shredded paper works particularly well for small animal bedding because the longer strips provide better nest-building material than micro-cut fragments. Do not use shredded paper from receipts (thermal paper) or heavily dye-printed materials for animal bedding.

Protective packing material

Shredded paper is an effective cushioning material for shipping fragile items. It's significantly more cost-effective than bubble wrap or commercial packing peanuts for organizations that generate consistent shredded paper output. For non-confidential shredded paper specifically, this is one of the most practical reuses. For the shredder mechanism that produces the fragments used in these applications, see our guide at how paper shredders work. Strip-cut fragments (longer strips) provide better cushioning than micro-cut fragments, which tend to compress more under shipping pressure. For the shredder FAQ context, see our guide at paper shredder FAQ.

Option 4 — Certified Secure Destruction Services

For organizations that produce significant volumes of confidential shredded material and need documented proof of destruction, certified secure destruction services provide collection containers, scheduled pickup, and a certificate of destruction documenting the secure disposal of the material. This is the appropriate endpoint for regulated industries (healthcare, financial, legal) where document destruction compliance is a legal requirement rather than a best practice.

Certified destruction services typically specify that material has been destroyed to a documented security level (typically P-4 or higher) and provide chain-of-custody documentation. The certificates are defensible in compliance audits. For organizations that self-shred, the shredder's security level and the disposal method together constitute the destruction record.

Option 5 — Community and Creative Reuse

Mulch and garden use

Shredded paper mixed with garden soil or used as mulch between plants is a sustainable option. Paper mulch decomposes over the season, adding organic matter to the soil. Use standard (non-glossy, minimally inked) shredded paper for garden applications. The mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth in the same way as traditional wood chip mulch, at essentially no cost.

Fire starter

Loosely rolled shredded paper makes effective fire starter material for fireplaces, fire pits, and camping fires. This is a practical use for non-confidential strip-cut or cross-cut shredded paper, particularly in households or organizations that use wood fires seasonally.

Donation to animal shelters

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations accept shredded paper for use in animal enclosures and bedding areas. Contact local shelters before dropping off — most welcome donations of shredded non-glossy paper but may have specific requirements about ink type or paper weight.

How to Decide What to Do with Shredded Material — Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Assess document confidentiality

Confidential (names, account numbers, PII) → certified disposal or secure landfill only. Non-confidential (internal drafts, print tests, general correspondence) → any option below is appropriate.

Step 2 — Evaluate fragment size

Strip-cut (larger fragments) → best for packing material, animal bedding, fire starter, composting. Micro-cut (tiny fragments) → best for composting, recycling bag. Less effective for cushioning applications.

Step 3 — Consider volume

Small volume (under 1 gallon/week) → composting or animal bedding. Medium volume (1 to 5 gallons/week) → packing material reuse or recycling bag. Large volume → certified destruction service or dedicated recycling drop-off.

Step 4 — Check local recycling program

Before assuming shredded paper is acceptable in curbside recycling, confirm with your local program. Use the bagging method described above as default. For the shredder manufacturers that affect the fragment size produced, see our guide at shredder manufacturers.

Step 5 — Establish a consistent disposal routine

Whatever option you choose, make it a consistent routine rather than a case-by-case decision. Consistency prevents confidential material from inadvertently entering non-secure disposal streams. Label bins clearly for confidential and non-confidential shredded material if both are produced.

Quick Reference — Shredded Paper Disposal Options

Troubleshooting

Local recycling program doesn't accept shredded paper even in bags

Some programs have specific equipment that can't handle bagged shredded paper. In this case, use composting for non-confidential material or take shredded paper to a dedicated paper recycling drop-off location.

Confidential documents were accidentally mixed into a composting bin

Remove the compost material and dispose of it in general waste. Do not continue composting the mixed material. Review the labeling and separation procedures to prevent recurrence.

Shredded paper in composting is forming a dense mat rather than breaking down

Shredded paper needs moisture and mixing to decompose. Wet the shredded paper before adding to the compost pile and mix thoroughly with green (nitrogen-rich) material. A ratio of approximately 3:1 brown (paper) to green is typical.

Company generates very large volumes of shredded paper daily — individual disposal isn't practical

At scale, certified destruction services provide the most efficient handling. For non-confidential material at high volume, contact local recycling facilities about commercial paper recycling drop-off or pickup.

Not sure if a document was confidential enough to require secure disposal

When in doubt, treat it as confidential and use secure disposal. The cost of secure disposal for non-confidential material is trivial compared to the risk of inadvertently disclosing genuinely confidential information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can shredded paper go in a compost bin alongside food scraps?
Yes — shredded paper is a carbon-rich brown material that balances nitrogen-rich food scraps in a compost pile. It's one of the cleanest and most practical composting additives for office paper. For shredder oiling that maintains consistent output quality, see how to oil your shredder.

Is shredded thermal paper (receipts) safe to compost?
No — thermal paper (used for receipts and some fax paper) typically contains bisphenol A (BPA) or similar chemicals in the heat-reactive coating. Thermal paper shreddings should not be composted or used for animal bedding. Dispose of thermal paper shreddings in general waste.

How do I know if my shredded paper is safe to use as animal bedding?
Standard office bond paper (20 to 28 lb, laser or inkjet printed) is generally safe for animal bedding. Avoid: thermal paper (receipts), heavily dye-printed glossy paper, paper with applied adhesive, and any paper with an unknown chemical treatment.

Does shredded paper need to be removed from plastic bags before recycling at a recycling facility?
This depends on the specific facility. Some recycling facilities can handle the full bag; others want the paper loose in a separate container. Call ahead or check the facility's website for shredded paper handling instructions.

What is a certificate of destruction and why would I need one?
A certificate of destruction is a documented record issued by a certified destruction service confirming that specific material was destroyed to a specified security standard. It's required in regulated industries (HIPAA, GLBA, state privacy laws) to demonstrate compliance with document destruction requirements. For shredder security level context, see shredder security levels.