8 Uses for Shredded Paper
07 February 2023
Throwing away shredded paper creates unnecessary waste that ends up in landfill. For this month’s blog, we thought it would be good to give readers some alternative ideas to what can be done with shredded paper waste.
- Gardening
Shredded paper can be very useful for gardening. It can be used as mulch by placing it directly around trees and plants. It can also be used for composting as paper has water-retaining properties that aid the growth of small crops. You can also make your own biodegradable seedling pots. See attached link below for more information.
https://www.permaculturenews.org/2017/07/21/techniques-making-biodegradable-seedling-pots/
2. Scented sachets
Shredded paper can be filled into small decorative bags along with dried herbs, flowers, and essential oils to add a beautiful aroma to your drawers, storage boxes, bathroom, and bedding.
3. DIY craft
Shredded paper serves many purposes in art and craft projects. Ideas may include paper mache and scrapbooking.
4. Sensory play
Shredded paper can be added to containers and boxes for children to engage in sensory play.
5. Stuffing
Shredded paper can be used to add stuffing to gift bags and baskets for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions. It can also be used in boxes to protect fragile items for storage and/or moving purposes.
6. Pet bedding/toilet
Shredded paper can be used in pet cages for bed stuffing and litter. Alternatively, your local pet store may be keen to receive this type of material as a donation.
7. Recycled paper
Shredded paper can be used to make your own recycled paper. Set out below is an easy DIY link with a step-by-step guide you can follow to turn your shredded paper into recycled paper.
https://www.paperslurry.com/2014/05/19/how-to-make-handmade-paper-from-recycled-materials/
8. Decorations
Shredded paper can be used to make decorations for your home. Ideas may include ornaments and flower arrangements created by stuffing the paper into the bottom of vases.
Besides the above the ideas, Instant Waste Management can provide a Paper & Cardboard (P&C) bin/s for you to recycle your shredded paper. All paper is transported back to our Material Recovery Facility (MRF), which is sorted and transported to the Paper & Cardboard (P&C) recycling facility to transform into new, usable Paper & Cardboard (P&C) products.
