Organisations and individuals across the globe are constantly investigating green practices and setting targets for carbon neutrality. The impact of recycling on the environment undeniably protects ecosystems and establishes channels to reuse finite resources.
Paper shredding is one of the recycling methods that not only safeguard the sensitive and confidential information of individuals and businesses, but also – surprisingly – benefit the environment. This article explores the environmental impact of shredding and how businesses can take advantage of shredding practices to increase their sustainability and environmentally get rid of paper waste.
Why is shredding so important for the environment?
The significant contribution of shredding to the recycling environmental impact cannot be overstated. On average, the UK recycles more than 70% of its annual paper waste. Studies show that roughly 50% of all business waste consists of paper – either as documents or packaging (including food packaging). Despite this impressive statistic, experts estimate that approximately five million tonnes of waste paper end up in landfills every year.
Paper is not an infinite resource and the process of making it uses a lot of other finite resources, such as energy and water. When we neglect to properly shred and recycle paper, we escalate environmental issues such as deforestation, air pollution and waste generation. Shredding paper waste is a core part of any successful waste management system as it:
- Reduces waste and minimises the amount of waste ending up at landfills.
- Preserves forests and, by extension, limits the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Curbs pollution related to the production processes of paper.
The environmental impact of shredding
In this section, we explore why shredding is good for the environment and highlight some of the most prominent environmental benefits of shredding.
1. Reducing your carbon footprint
Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere speed up and amplify climate change. People release carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases through vehicles, factory processes and everyday activities such as cooking or having a barbecue.
Globally, governments, organisations, businesses and individuals are exploring ways to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprints. Shredding plays a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of a business (and individuals). When you shred and recycle paper, you reduce the amount of waste at landfills as well as the amount of energy needed to produce new paper, which, in turn, curbs the emission of greenhouse gases. Producing one tonne of paper can emit 1.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide. By recycling, you prevent the need for further production, which reduces the amount of CO2 produced. These factors significantly limit your carbon footprint and support your sustainability targets.
2. Recycling & reusing paper materials
It takes roughly 24 trees to produce one tonne of paper. When you shred and recycle your paper, you directly reduce the effects of deforestation. Research indicates that shredding and recycling can save approximately 66% of trees.
This process is easy. Start by preparing the documents for shredding and sorting them according to your local regulations, such as ensuring that paper is placed in the right bins. There are municipal collection services, and businesses can also partner with expert shredding and recycling services.
After the paper is shredded, the tiny pieces go to paper mills where they are remade into sheets, packaging and other paper products. These mills send the particles through pulpers to transform them. Modern-day technology delivers top-shelf-quality recycled paper consumables. It is easy to shred paper and continue the reusability loop.
3. Avoiding landfill
Shredded and recycled paper does not end up at landfills where it pollutes the soil, water and air. Although many believe that paper can be thrown away because it is an eco-friendly material, it releases methane gas when decomposing. This is a volatile greenhouse gas that harms the environment on multiple levels and accelerates climate change.
4. Supporting sustainable business practices
Today, customers and regulators alike keep a close eye on the efforts of companies to reduce or eliminate their negative impacts on the environment. When businesses shred and recycle their paper waste, they underpin their commitment to sustainable practices by reducing waste, preserving energy and water, and limiting deforestation.
Many businesses also have a collective goal of achieving net zero carbon levels in their operations. This includes the management of vehicles, factory operations and recycling initiatives. Paper shredding provides tangible metrics to help gauge and reach these targets.
5. Recycling metals and e-waste
Environmental efforts do not start and end with paper shredding and recycling. Shredding and recycling metals and e-waste (electrical and electronic devices) also greatly benefit the environment.
Computers and other tech devices are at the core of modern-day businesses. They often contain harmful materials, such as mercury, which seep into the soil when discarded. This threatens entire ecosystems. Today, e-waste is a major contributor to pollution. When you shred and recycle your metals and e-waste, you drive the agenda against climate change, and reduce depleting finite resources and releasing harmful pollutants in landfill.
6. Ensuring that textiles are recycled
Similarly, textile waste accelerates the release of greenhouse gases from landfills. By shredding and recycling your textiles, you not only do your bit for the environment, but also boost a circular economy. This means that you prevent the single use of things such as clothing and linen and ensure repeated use, to extend the lifespan of textiles. This curbs pollution and preserves precious resources.
How your business can do its bit for the environment by shredding paper
Paper shredding and recycling, as well as that of metals, e-waste and textiles, signify your commitment to the environment. These initiatives improve the sustainability of businesses by reducing their carbon footprints. Eco-friendly practices such as these are the best way to support the environment and conserve resources.
Implementing a waste management plan that incorporates shredding and recycling can be daunting. You can partner with experts such as Shredall SDS Group to take the stress out of this exercise. We help you set up processes to achieve net zero and provide the services you need for successful shredding and recycling. Contact us today and find out how to get started on your shredding and recycling operations.
