With Tax Day right around the corner, you’re probably sifting through a lot of financial paperwork — or will soon. As you make room for the current tax year’s paperwork, you’re probably shredding a lot of papers from years past that are no longer relevant.
And, of course, you’ll be putting any papers containing personal information through the shredder, which means you may end up with a glut of shredded paper.
Photo: Deposit Photos
The easiest way to dispose of all that shredded paper is obvious: Dump it in the recycle bin. Check with your recycler to make sure it will take shredded paper. A call to my recycler revealed that the company will take shredded paper as long as it’s not in a plastic bag. Kind of obvious and hard to imagine someone would actually stash the biodegradable shredded paper in a non-biodegradable bag but for whatever reason, they felt the need to stipulate that.
But if you’re interested in recycling your own paper, there are alternatives to throwing shredded paper in the recycle bin.
Here are 20 uses for shredded paper
- Cushion for Holiday Ornaments: Use it to cushion and protect fragile ornaments when you pack away your holiday décor, keeping them safe until next season.
- Gift Basket Filler: Use it as filler in the bottom of gift baskets to add volume and create a cozy, polished look for your presents.
- Compost Booster: Add it to your compost pile to contribute carbon-rich material, helping balance the mix and speed up decomposition.
- Pet Bedding: Use it for bedding for small pets such as gerbils and hamsters, providing them with a soft, cozy nesting spot.
- Soil Enhancer: Mix it with potting soil when you pot houseplants to improve drainage and add organic matter as it breaks down.
- Fire Starter: Use it as a fire starter in your fireplace or campfire—just bundle it up and watch it catch quickly for a warm blaze.
- Papier-Mâché Projects: If you’re really feeling crafty, use it to make papier-maché. While newsprint is the most commonly used paper for its absorbency and pliability, you can experiment with other types of shredded paper for unique textures.
- Litter Box Extender: Add some to Kitty’s litter box to stretch the expensive kitty litter, keeping it fresh and cost-effective.
- Homemade Paper: If you really want to go back to basics (or do a fun project with the kids), make paper with it—turn trash into a creative treasure.
- Eco-Friendly Packing Material: Here’s our favorite: Use it as packing material when you send items through the mail. It’s a great alternative to those ever-annoying packing peanuts—and more eco-friendly. If desired, make little “pillows” to protect the box’s contents by stuffing the shredded paper into second-time-around sandwich bags (make sure they’re clean!) or plastic produce bags fastened with a twist-tie.
- Mulch for Garden Beds: Spread shredded paper around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. It’ll break down over time and enrich the soil.
- Stuffing for DIY Pillows or Cushions: Use shredded paper to fill homemade throw pillows, pet beds, or draft stoppers for doors and windows.
- Seedling Starters: Pack shredded paper into small biodegradable pots or toilet paper rolls, dampen it, and plant seeds. Once the seedlings sprout, transfer the whole thing into the ground.
- Odor Absorber: Place shredded paper in a container with a bit of baking soda or essential oils and tuck it in shoes, closets, or the fridge to absorb odors.
- Party Confetti: Use colorful shredded paper as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic confetti for celebrations or events.
- Insulation for Cold Weather: Stuff shredded paper into cracks, gaps, or even plastic bags to create makeshift insulation for windows or outdoor pet shelters.
- Weaving Material: Twist or braid shredded paper into strips to create mats, coasters, or even decorative wall hangings.
- Soundproofing Aid: Pack shredded paper into hollow spaces (like behind a wall panel) to dampen noise in a DIY home project.
- Emergency Spill Absorbent: Keep a stash handy to soak up small oil, water, or paint spills in the garage or workshop.
- Decorative Snow Effect: Use white shredded paper to create a faux snow scene for holiday displays, school projects, or photography props.
Photo: Deposit Photos
More tips on recycling:
I love love love your ideas for shredded paper! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful, Jaya.