I'm looking for ideas on how to recycle shredded paper. My city does not accept it in their recycling program. I've considered using it for shipping packages, but it would make a big mess for the receiver.
Shredded paper is really useful to make papasan chairs. All you have to do is get a trash bag and fill with shredded paper. Then staple colorful paper on the outside of trash bag. You can even staple on some leather fringe for a fun country western look.
I use it in my worm composting bin. They love it and then the castings are great for the garden, house plants, even as a type of fertilizer for your yard.
People sometimes make mistake when they say they don't accept shredded paper for recycling. Sometimes used paper IS on their list of items they recycle, but they interpret "shredded paper" as something different from plain paper. As paper is recycled by shredding and mixing into a pulp anyway, they should accept it as paper. This is a common misunderstanding -- paper is the most commonly recycled material.
Most standard uses are already explained, so I'll add some details. If used for packaging, the items packaged can be sealed in a plastic bag to keep the paper dust away. Alternatively, shredded paper can be packed into small plastic bags sealed with a thermal sealer, and use these for packaging. Papier mache can be made easily if You own a blender with strong blades (a combo machine, for example). More complex uses involve mixing it with some sort of low-cost glue and some preservative (e.g. salicylate) and pressing it into panels that can be used for construction -- it provides good thermal insulation. Commercial methods involve silicate-based glues, rendering the material fireproof. It can also be pressed into small bricks while adding some molten fatty fuel (longer hydrocarbon chain -- solid at room temperature). The paper acts as a "wick," the fat burns, so the bricks can be used as fuel.
On the down side (sorry) Earwigs, silverfish and many other insects love paper. It absolutely cannot get wet, as it grows mold quickly. Composting is good if you are a disciplined turner, and using it for mulch is also good but the same rules apply. FYI
if you have a fireplace it can be used to build and then start a fire ,lay the shredded paper first , then add twigs, then wood. or fill paper bags or empty milk cartons to make fire bags /fire bricks to keep a fire going cheaply
could be used in birds nesting boxes or for pet bedding
could be added to the compost bin or for mulching plants or for insulating plants in cold weather
it really is acceptable for parcels and does a great job
with summer upon us almost it would be received gratefully by charities /fairs who do outdoor lucky dips in a barrel at events
I work for our local Hallmark shop and I don't mind a bit when something is shipped with shredded paper. It is a lot better than the styrofoam peanuts.
Do you compost your soil, makes great compost , Not the shiny paper tho, put the shredded paper around your plants outside for mulch. Do you have a bird in a cage, use it on the bottom of the cage.
I am an art teacher and I LOVE to get shredded paper donations to use for stuffed paper art projects. Also good for other collage activities. Call your local elementary school!!
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Request: Uses for Shredded Paper?
Archived on 05/10/2007
I bought a paper shredder at Christmas, and it has done wonders in helping me get better organized. The shredder cuts in two directions, so I'm left with lots of 1.5-inch by .25-inch pieces. I save the shredded paper and then stuff it in grocery sacks to use like "shipping peanuts." Also, in the spring I'll be able to use lots of it as mulch when I'm tending my flower and veggie gardens. Still, I wondered what other ways I could use this shredded paper.
Melanie
Answers:
RE: Uses for Shredded Paper?
If you have any friends with mice, rats, rabbits, etc., they might be happy to be offered free bedding material! (01/29/2005)
Hamster bedding! As long as the paper doesn't have too much ink on, it is fabulous and safe and thrifty! Also you could use it to make some kind of glue, paper stuff for craft. Mixing it with thick wallpaper paste for example. (01/30/2005)
You can use it for cat litter, or make it into papier mache. I don't have the recipe, but someone out there must. (01/30/2005)
By Bert in Oregon
RE: Uses for Shredded Paper?
Shred colored paper for gift bags instead of buying gift bag shreds. (01/30/2005)
By Cheryl from Missouri
RE: Uses for Shredded Paper?
Check with your local animal shelter - They are happy to take ours! (01/31/2005)
By Linda H
RE: Uses for Shredded Paper?
I like to put it into plastic bags [like grocery bags], tie the bags closed securely and stuff my empty purses & totebags with it to help them keep their shape when not being used. (02/01/2005)
I took a blanket (with leopard stripes) for a daughter of mine who loved leopards and cut it into 2 strips. I then sewed it together to make a box. Filled it with shredded paper and it made a nice bean bag. (02/02/2005)
By Honey
RE: Uses for Shredded Paper?
For paper mache: equal parts flour and water. (08/16/2006)
By Cathy
RE: Uses for Shredded Paper?
This probably wouldn't work for the small pieces that you get from your shredder, but if you have the kind that makes long thin strips, how about using them for quilling crafts?
(08/16/2006)
I use the shredded paper for dog bedding. It is very insilated and keeps them warm on cold nights. It also provides a great comfortable bed to sleep. This material can be used for any type of animal (04/26/2007)
