1. Plastic Items and Stationery
While a single staple is fine, large amounts of plastic are the primary enemy of paper recycling.
- Plastic Sleeves & Folders: Never include plastic pockets, binders, or lever arch folders. These must be removed before disposal.
- Laminated Paper: The plastic coating on laminated sheets prevents the paper from being pulped and recycled.
- Credit Cards & ID Badges: These require specialised destruction and should not be mixed with standard paper bins.
2. Large Metal Objects
Industrial shredders are powerful, but they aren’t invincible.
- Bulldog Clips: Unlike small staples or paperclips, large bulldog clips can damage the blades.
- Spiral Bindings: Metal or heavy plastic spirals from notebooks should be removed.
- Ring Binders: The metal rings inside binders are a major “no-go” for paper shredding bins.
This is the most dangerous category. Items containing batteries—especially lithium-ion batteries—pose a significant fire risk when compressed in a truck or shredder.
- Hard Drives & USBs: These contain heavy metals and require specialised e-waste destruction.
- CDs & DVDs: These are made of polycarbonate plastic and cannot be processed with paper.
- Mobile Phones: Never “toss” an old work phone into a shredding bin; it is a major safety hazard.
4. General Waste and Liquids
It might sound obvious, but shredding bins are often mistaken for general rubbish bins in busy offices.
- Food Scraps & Liquids: Wet or mouldy paper cannot be shredded as it gums up the machinery and ruins the recycling batch.
- Glass & Cans: These are dangerous for the staff handling the materials and can destroy shredding blades.
- Cardboard: While paper-based, bulk cardboard boxes take up too much space and are processed differently than confidential documents.
5. Non-Recyclable Paper Products
Not all “paper” is created equal in the world of recycling.
- Tissues & Paper Towels: These are not suitable for high-grade paper recycling.
- Photographs: Traditional photo paper contains chemicals and coatings that contaminate the recycling stream.
- X-Rays: These contain silver and require a specific chemical recovery process.
Summary: The “Only Paper” Rule
To keep your service running smoothly, follow the “Loose Paper Only” rule. Staples and small paperclips are generally acceptable, but if it’s thick, plastic, or electronic, it doesn’t belong in the bin.
By keeping these items out, you help us protect the environment and ensure your data is destroyed efficiently.
