The UK’s “number one binman” has shared the rules of disposing of shredded paper at home.
Binman explains whether shredded paper should be put in recycling bins or general waste(Image: Esa Hiltula via Getty Images)
Many households have been guilty of placing every piece of paper, plastic, metal or glass in their recycling bins, presuming it can probably be recycled. Regrettably, recycling is more complex than that, given the wide variation in recycling standards throughout the country.
While ordinary sheets of paper can certainly be recycled at home, the situation differs when it comes to shredded paper. Although shredded paper appears to be recyclable, numerous local authorities actually refuse to accept it.
Ashley, the viral sensation known as The No1 Binman on TikTok, has urged households to “stop putting shredded paper in your paper bin”.
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In a social media post, the binman explained: “It’s [shredded paper] not recyclable because you broke it down too much. It’s too much effort and costs too much money to recycle it in your normal [recycling] bins. So don’t put it in there.”
Ashley also highlighted that shredded paper in recycling bins makes the work of bin collectors more difficult. He said: “When we tip it when it’s cold, windy, and wet, it goes everywhere, and then we have to try and get it off the floor, sweeping it up – it all sticks to the floor. It’s horrible.”
Instead, the binman advises households to dispose of shredded paper in their general waste bins, as in most cases it cannot be recycled anyway.
However, if your local authority does accept shredded paper, Ashley suggests: “Put it [the shredded paper] in a Primark bag or something like a paper bag so it doesn’t go everywhere.”
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Shredded paper can’t always be recycled as not all paper mills can’t process it(Image: Getty)
Why can’t I recycle shredded paper at home?
Shredded paper can be recycled in certain instances, but not all local authorities will accept it for recycling, as some paper mills are unable to process it.
This is because the shredding process weakens paper, and it can create difficulties at paper mills, such as maintenance and fire hazard concerns.
If your council won’t collect it for recycling, you can simply place it in your general waste bin as advised by The No1 Binman, take it to a paper bank, or put non-glossy shredded paper at the bottom of your food waste recycling bin to absorb any liquid and help stop dripping.
Households can also add it to their home compost heap, though not if it’s coloured or glossy paper, as these can contain chemicals that are damaging to plants.