When you choose to shred your paper documents, you might wonder what happens to them afterward. Understanding this process can provide peace of mind, ensuring that your sensitive information is disposed of securely and responsibly. Here’s a closer look at the journey your documents take after they’re shredded, as well as the environmental benefits of recycling.
The Shredding Process
On-Site Shredding: SecureShred brings our Mobile Shredding Truck to your location to shred your documents while you watch. This not only provides transparency but also ensures that your sensitive information is destroyed right before your eyes.
The Recycling Journey
Once the shredding process is complete, the shredded paper doesn’t just disappear. When our shredding trucks are fully laden with shredded paper, they are driven back to our partner recycling facility in Long Island and unloaded in preparation for bailing. As the name implies, bailing is the process of compacting and tying all of the shreds of material into 1000 lb bales. After that, a tractor trailer is used to transport these bales to recycling plants across the Northeastern United States.
At the paper mill, the shredded paper is added to a water bath where it undergoes a chemical washing process to remove inks and adhesives. This step is vital in preparing the paper for repurposing. The resulting pulp is blended with other paper products and chemicals, depending on what the end product will be. For instance, if the goal is to create white office paper, the mill might use hydrogen peroxide or dyes during production.
The final stages of the manufacturing process determine the type of product created from your shredded documents. The possibilities are vast: your paper could be transformed into anything from office supplies to newspapers, cardboard boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, or even facial tissues. The recycling of your shredded documents means they find new life instead of ending up in a landfill.
Environmental Impact
By choosing to recycle paper, you are making a significant environmental impact. For every ton of paper that is recycled, an astonishing 17 trees are saved, along with nine barrels of oil and substantial amounts of water. This means that your decision to shred and recycle not only protects your confidential information but also contributes positively to the planet.
In conclusion, the journey of your paper after shredding is a thoughtful process aimed at ensuring both security and sustainability. Rest assured that your documents are handled responsibly and transformed into new products that benefit the environment. By engaging in responsible shredding and recycling, you are playing an essential role in protecting both your privacy and the earth.