Educate – Sort – Recycle

Shredded Paper

Learn how Gee Hoe Seng Pte Ltd (GHS) handles shredded and torn paper recycling responsibly in Singapore.

Shredded paper is technically recyclable, but due to its shortened paper fibers, it is considered low-quality material and often requires additional processing.

Shredded office paper collected in a bag for recycling in Singapore.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Is it Recyclable?

Yes — shredded and torn paper are recyclable.

However, they are classified as low-grade paper because the short fibers make it difficult to reprocess into high-quality paper products.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Why Recycling Is Challenging

When paper is shredded, the fibers weaken and shorten, limiting their reuse potential.

While shredded paper can still be processed, it is typically recycled into lower-grade materials such as tissue or cardboard filler.

Here’s why recycling works

  • While shredded paper can still be processed, it is typically recycled into lower-grade materials such as tissue or cardboard filler.
Recyclable
  • Shredded office paper
  • Torn white or coloured paper (if clean and dry)

What limits recyclability

  • Short fibers reduce the strength of recycled pulp.
  • Loose shreds can clog recycling machines or scatter during handling.
  • Mixed shredded paper (e.g. coloured + white) is treated as low-grade paper since it cannot be sorted by automated systems.
  • Paper shredded with plastics or non-recyclables cannot be recovered at all and must be discarded as general waste.
Not Recyclable
  • Shredded plastic folders, laminates, or mixed materials
  • Laminated or plastic-coated paper

Note: Never shred paper together with plastic folders, laminates, receipts, or coloured paper mixed with white paper.

Additional Information
1) Shredded paper remains recyclable but fetches lower value due to fiber degradation.
2) Loads containing mixed coloured and white shredded papers are downgraded to mixed paper and may incur handling charges.

How to Prepare Before Collection / Drop-Off

  • Sort before shredding – Keep white and coloured papers separate.

  • Bag shredded paper securely – Use bags or boxes to prevent scattering.

  • Do not shred plastics or laminates – They contaminate recyclable paper and make sorting impossible.