What Happens to Shredded Material? The Path to Recycling

Highland Shredding & Removal makes it easy to get rid of unwanted items and to destroy sensitive information. This post will focus on the impact we are making on the shredding portion of our operations- we’ll dive into our sustainability practices on the clean-out and junk removal portion separately as each deserves its own attention. 

Recent Shredding Purge/Pickup Service Example

As a growing shredding company dedicated to professional and friendly service, we often get asked a common yet important question: "What happens to shredded material?" We love this question, as it highlights the dual importance of security and environmental stewardship in our industry. Below, we'll take you through the journey of shredded materials and explain how Highland ensures that your sensitive documents, E-waste, and metal scraps are handled in a secure and eco-friendly manner.

The Shredding Process

When you choose our shredding services, you’re entrusting us with your confidential documents and materials. We begin by securely collecting your items, which can range from old financial statements to outdated marketing materials. Once safely in our possession, we use state-of-the-art shredding equipment to turn these materials into confetti-sized pieces, following industry standards and best practices. This process guarantees that sensitive information is completely destroyed, thereby protecting your privacy and keeping your data safe.

But what happens next? After shredding, the real magic begins.

Recycling: The Responsible Choice

Highland prioritizes recycling as a core part of our mission. The shredding of materials is not just about destruction; it's about responsibly diverting these resources from landfills. Here’s a breakdown of what happens to the different types of shredded materials:

Paper

After shredding, paper is collected and sent to a recycling facility. At the facility, the shredded paper is mixed with water and chemicals to break it down into fibers, which can then be processed to create new paper products. This reduces the need for virgin materials and conserves natural resources. Clients often express relief knowing that their old documents are being transformed into something new, rather than being left to decompose in a landfill. On average, we recycle 80 tons of paper each month! That’s the equivalent of saving 16,320 trees this from being processed for new product!

E-Waste

E-waste is categorized by the growing amount of electronic items being discarded. Items that store data such as computers, drives, tablets, cell phones, CD’s, tapes, for example are all items that we securely destroy by shredding the information carrying portion of the items. The shredded material is then recycled with vendors according to the material type. E-waste materials that do not house data, as well as the remaining portions of items that we already extracted and shredded data from, are either recycled or brought to be refurbished.    

Metal

If your shredding service includes metals, such as outdated equipment, accessories or other scrap metal items like broken file cabinets, these materials are also sent to recycling facilities. The shredded metals are melted down and reformed into new metal products. This process conserves energy and reduces the environmental impact compared to mining new metals. Our clients love knowing that their obsolete metal devices/materials are being repurposed sustainably.

The Eco-Friendly Benefits

By choosing to shred and recycle, you are not only ensuring the security of your sensitive information but also participating in eco-friendly practices that benefit our planet. The recycling of paper, e-waste, and metal helps to significantly reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. As a local shredding company, we are proud to operate with a commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

At Highland, we understand the importance of protecting your information and the environment. We strive to make our shredding process not just secure, but also eco-friendly. When you choose us, you're not just getting a service; you’re contributing to a sustainable future.

In a world where both data security and environmental concerns are paramount, our shredding services provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your materials are disposed of responsibly. If you’ve been considering shredding your sensitive documents or materials, we invite you to reach out to us today. Together, let’s make a positive impact on the planet—one shred at a time!