Paper Discard List

Discard paper daily. Knowing what paper can be automatically shredded or recycled will motivate you to get rid of paper that has been accumulating. Use the list below as your personal paper discard list.

• old shopping lists
• used envelope
• expired coupons
• duplicate documents
• paper holding information you already know
• early drafts of something
• junk mail: mail labeled “Resident” or “Occupant”, unsolicited requests from charities, banks or other organizations, unwanted shopping circulars and advertisements, unsolicited credit card applications and political notices
• information more than 3 months old: magazines, cash receipts, newspapers, grocery receipts
• outdated material: catalogues, phone books, directories, schedules, calendars, warranties, reports, notes to self, to do lists, maps, text books, school notices, announcements, invitations
• information more than a year old: articles, brochures, instructions, manuals, ATM slips, bank registers, paid utility bills, explanation of benefits
• paper that has incorrect information: business cards, labels, stationery, letterhead