July 24, 2025
What Really Happens to Your Shredded Paper? A Look Behind the Scenes
Watching your sensitive documents get shredded right in front of you brings a certain kind of satisfaction, knowing your information is safe. But have you ever stopped to wonder what happens next, after the truck drives off?
At Proshred Orlando, we don’t just focus on security. We care about where that paper ends up. Here’s what goes on once your shredded documents leave your hands.
From Shred Truck to Recycling Center
After your documents are securely shredded on-site, the paper is locked away in our truck’s secure compartment. At the end of the day, our team delivers everything to a local recycling partner we trust.
There, your shredded paper joins loads of other material and begins its journey toward becoming something entirely new.
How Shredded Paper Gets Recycled
Step 1: Sorting and Cleaning
Once it arrives, the shredded paper is unloaded and carefully sorted. Any stray bits of plastic, staples, or metal from clips and binders are removed to keep the recycling stream clean.
Step 2: Turning It into Pulp
The cleaned paper is mixed with water to create a thick slurry called pulp. This mixture gets filtered to remove inks, adhesives, and other residue, leaving behind a clean, consistent base.
Step 3: A New Life as Paper Products
The pulp is spread into sheets, dried, and cut into various products. What used to be sensitive files and old reports could soon be:
- Paper towels and tissues
- Napkins and recycled printer paper
- Cardboard boxes and packaging materials
So yes, those shredded tax forms may one day help wrap someone’s online order or stock grocery store shelves.
Why It Matters
Recycling paper isn’t just about reducing waste. It’s about real savings:
- Every ton of recycled paper saves roughly 17 trees, nearly 7,000 gallons of water, and enough electricity to run a home for half a year.
When you choose Proshred Orlando, you’re doing more than just protecting your business. You’re helping protect the planet, too.
Doing It Right from Start to Finish
We take the extra step of working only with recycling centers that meet strict environmental standards. That way, we know your shredded documents are handled the right way from the moment they’re destroyed to the moment they become something useful again.
To us, shredding is more than a service. It’s a smart, sustainable choice for businesses throughout Central Florida.
Thinking About Shredding? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re clearing out years of old files or setting up regular shredding for your office, we’re here to make it easy and responsible.
Want to learn more about how we protect your information and the environment? Reach out to Proshred Orlando today. We’ll walk you through the process and help you get started.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best way to make sure my shredded paper gets recycled?
The most reliable way is to work with a certified shredding service like Proshred Orlando. We partner with established recycling centers to make sure everything is handled properly.
Q. Can shredded paper become new office paper?
Absolutely. Shredded paper is often turned into tissue products, recycled printer paper, or cardboard, giving your old documents a new life while reducing waste.
