All single-stream recyclables (which refers to all recyclables in one bin) are collected and then taken to a sorting facility. That facility utilizes conveyor belts and sorting machinery to separate recyclables. Shredded paper is so small that it falls through the cracks in the sorting process and ends up with dirt and debris. The shredded pieces then have to be removed and taken to the landfill. A second issue is shred catches easily in the wind. When your recycle bin is being emptied into the collection truck, the shred can catch in the wind and blow throughout the neighborhood, causing litter that is difficult to clean up.

Yes, shredded paper can still be recycled, but not in your curbside recycling bin. Shredded paper can go to the Timberline Recycling Center at 1903 S. Timberline Rd. and placed in the office paper container.

Only shred paper when necessary. We encourage you to only shred the sensitive information part of documents and throw the larger, leftover pieces in the recycling bin.

Shredding decreases the value of the paper fiber and reduces the number of times the paper can be recycled. Shredded paper can still be recycled, but just not as many times as paper that hasn’t been shredded. When not shredded, an average paper fiber can be recycled 7-12 times.

Multiple businesses in Fort Collins will shred your documents for a fee. Visit fcgov.com/recyclingcenters to locate a shredding business. Please note that Timberline Recycling Center DOES NOT offer shredding services.