Creative Uses for Paper Shreds

Shredded paper can be used in various ways if your recycling plant will not accept it.

Most recycling plants will recycle paper, but this does not always apply to shredded paper. Many recycling plants will not accept shredded paper at all, and those that do often have conditions regarding their organization or containment. As such, it may be useful to find alternative ways to reuse your shredded paper.

Recycled Paper

Soak the paper in boiling water for a few hours before grinding in a blender. It should end up as a pulp. Place towels down on the table, then one thin cloth on top. Put some of the pulp into a basin of water before pulling it out again using a wire mesh. Turn the mesh upside down onto the thin cloth. Sponge the moisture from the back of the mesh. Remove the mesh. Leave to dry.

Worm Bin

Worm bins are a great way to turn garden waste into something good for your plants. Shredded paper can be useful if you have a worm bin in your garden, especially if the worm bin has an odor problem. A strong smell in a worm bin is caused by too much nitrogen. Adding some shredded paper, which is high in carbon, can help negate this smell. The ratio should be roughly 30 parts of carbon to each part of nitrogen.

Shipping

Styrofoam and plastic are notoriously bad for the environment. When shipping an item, use shredded paper instead of packing peanuts or bubble wrap. This is friendly for the environment and gives you a convenient way to reuse your shredded paper. Make sure you are only using newspaper or other unimportant documents however, as sending off paper with personal information could be dangerous, even if shredded.

Cat Litter

Similar to the process for making paper, soak the paper in water. With this mixture add a small amount of dish soap. If using newspaper, do not be alarmed that the newspaper ink will not completely leave the paper. Drain and repeat the process without soap. Drain again and add baking soda and knead thoroughly. Wring as dry as possible and then crush it into small bits. Leave out to dry for several days before use.

References

• The Greenist; Make Your Own Kitty Litter; Feb. 19, 2008
• Treehugger; To Shred Or Not To Shred; Pablo Paster; April 20, 2009
• Treehugger; Vermicomposting and Vermiculture; Colin Dunn; Aug. 2, 2007
• Recycle This; How Can I Reuse or Recycle Shredded Paper; July 11, 2007
• Old Fashioned Living; How to Make Scented and Herbed Paper; Gail Miller