Introduction

When most people think of document destruction, they think of security—protecting sensitive information from prying eyes. But there’s another major benefit to professional shredding that often gets overlooked: its impact on the environment.

In Logan County, where sustainability is becoming more important for businesses and local government offices, choosing professional shredding can support both your security and your green initiatives. This guide explains how document destruction services benefit the environment, what happens to shredded paper after collection, and how local businesses can make document destruction part of their sustainability strategy.

Understanding Professional Document Destruction

What Professional Document Destruction Is

Professional document destruction goes beyond using a small office shredder. It involves secure, high-capacity shredding performed by trained professionals—either on-site at your location or off-site at a secure facility. After shredding, the paper is baled and sent for recycling, creating a closed-loop process.

Environmental Benefits at a Glance

When you use a certified shredding provider, you contribute to:

• Paper Recycling at Scale – Large quantities of shredded paper are processed and turned into new paper products, reducing the need for virgin wood pulp.

• Landfill Waste Reduction – Diverting paper from landfills cuts down on methane emissions from decomposing paper waste.

• Energy Savings – Recycling paper uses less energy and water compared to creating paper from raw materials.

• Reduced Carbon Footprint – Efficient bulk collection means fewer trips than individual office shredders filling bags for disposal.

Local Impact in Logan County

Logan County businesses that choose professional shredding help keep recyclable material within the supply chain and support regional recycling efforts. Many providers also follow environmentally responsible practices, such as using fuel-efficient collection trucks and consolidating loads to minimize emissions.

How to Make Shredding Part of Your Sustainability Plan

To integrate shredding into your office’s environmental efforts, follow these steps:

1. Assess Your Paper Usage
   Begin by measuring how much paper your business consumes monthly. Identify departments generating the most confidential paperwork.

2. Switch to a Regular Shredding Schedule
   Consistent shredding service ensures steady recycling output, instead of sporadic large purges that may overwhelm storage space or create security risks.

3. Use Secure Collection Containers
   Place locked bins throughout the office so employees can easily dispose of documents for recycling and destruction.

4. Confirm Recycling Practices
   Ask your provider where shredded paper goes after destruction and verify that it is sent to a recycling mill rather than a landfill.

5. Communicate Results to Your Team
   Share recycling metrics—such as number of pounds recycled or trees saved—with employees to build engagement and encourage responsible paper use.

6. Combine With Other Sustainability Efforts
   Reduce paper waste at the source by adopting digital workflows and printing policies, then use shredding for the paper you must keep until its retention period ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does shredded paper actually get recycled?
Yes. Professional shredding providers typically bale shredded paper and send it to paper mills, where it’s turned into products like paper towels, tissue, and recycled paper stock.

Can I just use my office shredder and recycle the paper myself?
While possible, office shredders produce paper that is harder for recycling facilities to process because the pieces are too small and mixed with contaminants. Professional shredders create a uniform product that’s easier to recycle.

How much energy does recycling save compared to making new paper?
According to industry data, recycling paper saves around 60% of the energy and 50% of the water compared to producing new paper from raw materials.

Are the trucks used for shredding environmentally friendly?
Many providers use fuel-efficient routes and schedule multiple stops per trip to reduce emissions. Some are even moving toward hybrid or electric trucks.

Is shredding still worth it if we’re trying to go paperless?
Yes. Even with digital adoption, most businesses still generate some paper that contains sensitive information. Shredding ensures that this paper is securely destroyed and recycled responsibly.

Conclusion

Professional document destruction isn’t just about compliance and data security—it’s also about doing your part for the planet. Businesses in Logan County can reduce landfill waste, conserve resources, and support the circular economy by scheduling regular shredding service and ensuring their shredded paper is recycled.

By combining shredding with broader office sustainability initiatives, you protect both your business and the environment.