In today’s digital age, protecting your personal and sensitive information is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. Period. One common way of doing so is by using paper shredding machines.
You’ve probably seen one of those machines that effortlessly turn paper into confetti. While it’s fun, it’s also incredibly useful for companies needing to safety destroy sensitive information, which is why document shredding services for businesses are quite popular.
But have you ever wondered what happens to all those tiny confetti pieces (the shredded paper)?
In this article, we’ll give the low-down on what’s done with the shredded paper. And thankfully, it’s not going to be about some boring, scientific, behind-the-scenes process. If you’re ready discover the secrets of post-shredding, read on. Once you know, you’ll never see paper shredding the same way again. Guaranteed.
Shredded Paper Recycling Process
Let’s break it down: Paper gets fed into a shredder and it turns into unreadable confetti-like pieces. So, what happens to all those pieces after they’ve been through the paper shredder?
First, the shredded paper goes to a recycling facility. There, it gets sorted and cleaned. This step is necessary to get rid of any unwanted extra bits like staples or paper clips.
Once the shreds are all clean and ready to go, they’re turned into a pulp. It’s done by soaking the paper bits in water and breaking them down into teeny-tiny fibers.
The pulp then undergoes a series of bleaching processes to get rid of any leftover ink, dyes, or colours.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why go through all this trouble to bleach the pulp?” Well, it’s important to make sure the recycled paper is white so it can be used to turn it into recycled paper products.
Innovative Uses for Shredded Paper
You probably already assumed that shredded paper is recycled somehow, but did you know that shredded paper can be used for more than just recycling? It has many other helpful uses, too.
One way is to use those paper shreds as bedding for animals like cows and pets. They’re soft, comfy, and absorb liquids, making them a great choice for animal beds.
Paper shreds are also great for gardening use. As it breaks down, it helps make the soil richer and better at holding moisture.
Another underrated use for shredded paper is in making earth-friendly packaging materials. It can be turned into recycled paperboard or packing materials because it breaks down naturally. Using these instead of plastic packaging helps reduce waste and pollution.
Environmental Benefits of Paper Recycling
The good news? Paper shredding is a full-fledged, eco-friendly move.
By recycling shredded paper, you’re helping curb the demand for freshly chopped trees. Statistically speaking: a single ton of recycled paper can spare up to 17 trees from being axed. Plus, you’ll be conserving a whopping 7000 gallons of water and 380 gallons of oil in the process.
But it’s just one of the many environmental benefits. By embracing the recycled paper lifestyle, you’re also taking a stand against global warming. Creating paper from scratch unleashes a bunch of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. When you recycle, you prevent such processes from happening.
Recycling paper requires less energy than producing paper from virgin fibres. This simply means you’ll reduce its carbon footprint. Fun fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling one ton of paper saves enough energy to power a typical American home for half a year.
Do you know what happens when you toss paper into a landfill? It’s not pretty. That paper sits there, slowly rotting away and releasing methane, a super-potent greenhouse gas. Recycling prevents this from happening. You also help extend the lifespan of current landfills but not overload them with that which can actually be reused.
Choosing a Responsible Shredding Company
When it comes to choosing a paper shredding company, here are some considerations you should take into account.
First, you have to make sure that they’re pros at keeping your info safe and secure. Sure, the shredding does that, but are they reputable enough to handle your sensitive information with care before they shred it? Your data needs to be in safe hands that you can trust. You also want a shredding company that cares about the environment, so the shredded paper is utilised for positive impacts (as we shared above).
Look for companies that are all about recycling. Bonus points if they’ve got a solid partnership with a legit recycling facility. Don’t be shy – ask them about their recycling practices. If they can show you a COD or a certificate of destruction and recycling, that’s a plus!
Make sure to also check their credentials. Look for the NAID AAA Certification. This means your sensitive documents are kept secured and disposed of responsibly in the shredding process.
By picking a certified paper shredding company, you’re both protecting your sensitive docs and also doing your part for the environment. It’s a win-win! When you’re ready to shred, choose a shredding company that’s got the skills, the green heart, and the certifications to prove it.
Why Choose Pulp for Shredding?
When you’re looking for a reliable shredding company to destroy and recycle your confidential documents, it can be overwhelming to know where to start searching. We’ll make it easy for you. With Pulp, you’re in good hands.
We’ve got the most updated, relevant certifications for safe paper shredding, and we have modern devices for ensuring thorough shedding. On top of that, our practices are also good for the mother earth. Contact for secure shredding services with Pulp, your reliable and eco-friendly paper shredding service. We offer one-time shredding or scheduled shredding for companies looking for a consistent data-protection solution.
Wrapping Up
Shredding companies keep your information safe from prying eyes. The bonus is that they’re also environmental champions. When the shredded paper is recycled, this helps to save trees, conserve energy, and reduce waste.
As a business, you can support these eco-friendly efforts. How? By ditching in-house shredding machines and choosing a shredding company that proves it recycles and follows the best practices for destroying and disposing of data. You can both protect your sensitive information and help create a greener, more sustainable future.
