Paper shredding- Recycle or compost?

[IceBlueShoes]

Just wondering what people here to do get rid of their paper shredding.
I've recycled mine, but now think that perhaps composting is the better route.

Suggestions?

[Donimo]

I would suggest composting from the top of my head because the paper will travel less distance and not require additional energy to make it into something else.

just my two cents.

[xeL|]

AFAIK, it's green bin here in GTA.

[owenx]

Green bin in Oakville.

[IceBlueShoes]

K thanks. Green bin it is.

My fido bill can be reborn as a tree or something... in someones garden. lol

THanks :)

[Rehan]

http://www.peelregion.ca/scripts/waste/bluebox.pl?action=search&query=shredded

* Shredded paper (loose)
* Place this item into your organics (green) bin or include with your paper yard waste bags. Shredded paper is not accepted in your recycling boxes as it contaminates material streams at the Material Recovery Facility. Please note that plastic bags are not permitted in the organics bin or paper yard waste bags because they contaminate finished compost. The shredded paper is a source of carbon required in the composting process and is an acceptable material along with leaf and yard waste. I prefer to put it in a yard waste bag... cleaner for me that way.

[enon]

Can one compost non shredded paper? I was thinking of just digging a hole in the backyard and dumping all my loose paper there, it would save gas for the recycling truck since they won't need to transport it.

[gman]

Can one compost non shredded paper? I was thinking of just digging a hole in the backyard and dumping all my loose paper there, it would save gas for the recycling truck since they won't need to transport it.

It won't save anything as the truck will still come to your house to pick up 'nothing'.

[okaywithme]

Recyle.

[mtl4]

The value of paper fiber for recycling varies considerably depending on the quality of the materials and the current markets for fiber. Dirty or "contaminated" (food, debris, etc) should be used for composting since it greatly reduces the value of the recycled materials and may use more energy than it saves. Clean paper on the otherhand should be recycled because that paper can be readily made into new paper more efficiently than cutting trees to make wood chips for processing into new paper.

Using paper for composting is an excellent use of paper but it also needs to be done right. The best way to compost the paper materials is to run it through a paper shredder (if possible) or tear it into thin strips by hand. This creates alot of surface areas which are ideal for decomposition. It also should be used in layers with other organic materials like food scraps or yard waste.

Finally try and limit your use of heavily coloured printed materials most commonly associated with holidays (cards, wrapping papers, etc) because they tend not to be recyclable nor are they good for composting. There are recyclable materials out there so look on the packaging for signs that you're buying a product that is recyclable. Waxed papers are also not recyclable and need to be disposed of in the trash.

[sjparker]

MTL4, those are great points. Thanks!