Paper Recycling in Houston
On-Site Shred Recycles 100% of Waste Stream
As members of the Greater Houston community, we believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to making it a better place to live and work. We’re all in this together, and everyone has a role to play. Many people ask, What can I do?; The answer is simple: do what you can! For us, that means providing high-security document shredding while prioritizing recycling over landfills. We’re proud to report that 100% of our waste stream is recycled. You’ll never find an On-Site Shred truck at a landfill—that’s our company policy, and we guarantee it.
Our primary clients are individuals and businesses that require secure paper shredding, but we also serve many clients seeking sustainable paper recycling solutions. By offering secure shredding services that ensure proper disposal of sensitive information, we help protect our clients and the environment. At the same time, our recycling practices help conserve resources and reduce waste.
Our document shredding specialists work closely with clients to create tailored programs for secure paper shredding and recycling. Whether you need a comprehensive shredding solution or a recycling program, we’re here to help you take steps that benefit your business and the Greater Houston community.
On-Site Shred Provides Guidance on Setting up a Houston Paper Recycling Program
Setting up a recycling program for a business in Houston is an essential step toward sustainability and environmental stewardship. The first step is to assess the types of recycle materials your business generates, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or metals. Conducting a waste audit can help identify areas where recycling efforts can be most effective. Once the materials are identified, designate collection points throughout the workplace with clearly labeled recycling bins to encourage participation. Partnering with a reliable recycling service provider ensures that materials are collected regularly and processed responsibly. Businesses in Houston can take advantage of local recycling resources and programs to make implementation seamless and cost-effective.
Education and employee engagement are key to a successful recycling program. Providing training sessions or resources about what can and cannot be recycled helps avoid contamination and improves overall efficiency. Businesses can also set measurable goals and track progress to motivate employees and highlight the program’s impact. Many Houston recycling providers offer detailed reports on the amount of waste diverted from landfills, which can be used to showcase the company’s commitment to sustainability. By creating a recycling program tailored to the business’s needs, companies not only reduce waste and operating costs but also demonstrate their dedication to environmental responsibility, building goodwill within the community and among clients.
First, determine an amount that your office could produce. You know your company better than we do, but on average, half a pound a day is pretty accurate per employee
# of employees x average pounds produced by employee (0.5) = Total produced
Next, let’s take that number and plug it into a yearly average.
Total Produced x average work days per year (255) = yearly average
We wish for 100% participation in the paper recycling program, but we know that is not realistic. Again, you know your company better than we do, but let’s use a 75% participation rate.
Yearly average x participation rate (.75) = yearly total
And finally, take the yearly total and divide by 12 months to give you your monthly estimate.
Yearly total/ 12 = monthly estimate.
Now that we have a monthly estimate we can take a look at the size and number of containers that will most likely be needed.
If you don’t like that approach, set a few containers out and monitor how fast they fill up. If they fill up too soon, add more containers!
What Happens to Shredded Paper?
Choosing the right type and size of containers is very important as well. Every office is different, so a one size fits all approach doesn’t work. Our first suggestion is to try and get an estimate as to the amount of paper your office will produce.
We offer the following guideline to help determine your company waste stream;
Shredded recycled paper is processed into various products, depending on the recycling facility and the type of paper. Common end products include:
New Paper Products
Office paper, Newspaper, Cardboard, Paperboard (used in cereal boxes and similar packaging)
Packaging Materials
Paper pulp for new packaging materials like egg cartons, shipping boxes, or protective wraps.
Compost
Shredded paper can also be composted, especially if it is non-glossy and free from harmful dyes or chemicals.
Insulation
Some shredded paper is processed into cellulose insulation for homes and buildings.
Pet Bedding
Soft shredded paper, often from newspapers, is used as bedding for small pets.
Arts and Crafts Supplies
It can be used in pulp for handmade paper or other creative projects.
Interesting Facts for a Paper Recycling Program
Recycling programs have a significant impact on both the environment and the economy, often in ways that are surprising. For instance, recycling just one ton of paper can save 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Similarly, recycling aluminum cans is incredibly efficient, as it takes 95% less energy to recycle aluminum than to produce it from raw materials. Additionally, items made from recycled materials often require fewer resources to manufacture, showcasing the tangible benefits of recycling programs in reducing environmental footprints.
Beyond environmental benefits, recycling programs contribute significantly to the economy. In the United States alone, the recycling industry generates more than $100 billion annually and supports over 500,000 jobs. These programs also help businesses save money by reducing waste disposal costs and turning discarded materials into valuable resources. For example, companies can recycle scrap materials to create new products, cutting down on raw material expenses. Moreover, recycling programs foster innovation, with industries developing creative ways to repurpose materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. These facts highlight how recycling programs not only protect the planet but also drive economic growth and sustainability.
