I used to feel a little guilty tossing all that shredded paper—until I realized how many clever ways I could reuse it. From helping out in the garden to saving a few bucks around the house, it’s way more useful than it looks.
Some of these ideas are super simple, others are kind of genius. And the best part? You’re doing something good for the planet without even trying that hard.
Here are a bunch of easy ways to give those scraps a second life!
1. Compost Booster
Turn your paper waste into garden gold! Shredded paper adds valuable carbon to your compost pile, balancing out nitrogen-rich kitchen scraps. Just make sure you’re only using plain paper without glossy finishes or colored inks.
The paper helps create air pockets in your compost, speeding up decomposition. Within months, those old bills and documents transform into rich, nutrient-packed soil for your garden – completely free!
2. Pet Bedding
Your small furry friends will love snuggling into paper bedding! Hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits appreciate the soft, absorbent material that helps keep their homes clean and cozy. The paper naturally controls odors better than some commercial options.
Make sure to use only plain white paper without toxic inks. Replace it regularly as it gets soiled, then compost the used bedding for a complete eco-cycle that saves you money on expensive store-bought bedding!
3. Fire Starters
Create free fire starters for your fireplace or campfire by rolling shredded paper into tight logs. Dip them in melted candle wax from old candle stubs for longer-burning starters that light easily. These homemade starters work better than newspaper and help use up paper waste.
Store them in an old egg carton for easy organization. One batch can last an entire season of fires, saving you from buying commercial fire starters while putting your paper waste to practical use!
4. Garden Mulch
Free mulch is just a shredder away! Spread a layer of shredded paper around plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture during hot summer days. The paper breaks down over time, adding organic matter to your soil.
For best results, wet the paper slightly as you apply it and cover with a thin layer of regular mulch to prevent blowing away. Your plants will thank you with stronger growth, and you’ll water less often – saving both money and time!
5. Shipping Cushion
Next time you need to mail a package, skip the bubble wrap! Your shredded paper makes perfect padding for fragile items. The irregular texture creates natural cushioning that absorbs shocks during shipping better than you might expect.
Simply fill empty spaces in your box with lightly packed shredded paper. Tell your recipient they can compost or reuse it too! This simple swap saves money on packaging materials while giving your paper waste a useful purpose before its final destination.
6. Paper Mache Projects
Unleash your creativity with free crafting material! Mix shredded paper with water and flour to create a simple paper mache paste perfect for making everything from holiday decorations to pinatas. Kids especially love getting their hands messy with this affordable craft.
The texture from shredded paper creates interesting details in your finished pieces. Let creations dry thoroughly before painting with leftover house paint or craft supplies. You’ll have unique decorations that cost almost nothing to make!
7. Weed Barrier
Create a free, biodegradable weed barrier for your garden beds! Lay several sheets of newspaper down first, then add a thick layer of dampened shredded paper. This barrier blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds while still allowing water to penetrate to your plants’ roots.
Cover with soil or mulch to hold it in place. As it breaks down over the season, it adds organic matter to your soil. Your garden stays neater with less work, and you’ll spend less time pulling stubborn weeds!
8. Seed Starting Medium
Got spring planting plans? Mix shredded paper with compost to create a free seed-starting medium that drains well while retaining moisture. The paper fibers help delicate seedling roots establish themselves better than in some commercial mixes.
Tear the paper into smaller pieces first, then thoroughly wet it before mixing with compost. Your seedlings will grow strong and healthy without spending money on expensive seed-starting mixes. When it’s time to transplant, the whole thing goes right into your garden soil!
9. Cat Litter Extender
Stretch your cat litter budget by mixing shredded paper with regular litter! The paper absorbs moisture and helps control odors while reducing how much commercial litter you need to buy. This works especially well with clumping litters.
Start with a small amount (about 25% paper) and adjust based on your cat’s preference. Many cats don’t mind the change at all. You’ll buy less litter over time, saving money while finding a practical use for all those shredded documents!
10. Homemade Paper
Create beautiful handmade paper from your shredded waste! Soak the shreds in water overnight, then blend into a pulp. Pour the mixture onto a screen and press out excess water with a sponge. The dried result makes lovely cards or art projects.
Add flower petals or herbs for natural colors and scents. Children love this magical process of transforming trash into treasure. Your personalized stationery will impress friends while giving new life to what would have been thrown away!
11. Gift Basket Filler
Save money on expensive tissue paper and gift basket filler! Shredded white paper creates a perfect nest for showcasing gifts. For a festive touch, add a few strips of colored paper that match your theme or the recipient’s favorite colors.
The varied texture looks professional and protects delicate items. Recipients can easily reuse or compost it afterward. This simple swap saves dollars on each gift basket while putting your office waste to work in a beautiful, practical way!
12. Worm Bin Bedding
Vermicomposting enthusiasts, rejoice! Shredded paper makes perfect bedding material for your worm bin. The paper helps maintain moisture levels while giving worms places to hide and lay cocoons. They’ll gradually eat through it, converting it to rich vermicompost.
Dampen the paper before adding it to your bin. Refresh the bedding layer monthly for happy, productive worms. You’ll harvest incredible plant fertilizer while saving money on commercial worm bedding – all from paper that would have ended up in the trash!
13. Insulation Booster
Lower your heating bills with this unusual paper hack! Fill clean, dry plastic bottles with shredded paper and place them in draft-prone areas like windowsills or against exterior walls. The trapped air between paper shreds creates an insulating barrier against cold air.
For attics, spread a layer of bagged shredded paper between joists for extra insulation. While not a replacement for proper insulation, this free solution helps reduce energy costs in problem areas while putting paper waste to practical use!
14. Plant Root Protector
Help tender plants survive winter with this gardener’s trick! When temperatures drop, pile shredded paper around the base of sensitive perennials or young trees. The paper layer insulates roots from freeze-thaw cycles that can damage or kill plants.
Wet the paper slightly so it stays in place, then cover with a thin layer of mulch. By spring, much of it will have broken down into the soil. Your plants will emerge healthier, and you’ll save money replacing fewer winter casualties!
15. Odor Absorber
Create free odor absorbers for your refrigerator, gym bag, or shoes! Fill a small fabric pouch with shredded paper and add a few drops of essential oil. The paper absorbs moisture and odors while the oil provides a pleasant scent.
Replace monthly or when odors return. For refrigerators, skip the oils and add a sprinkle of baking soda instead. These simple sachets work surprisingly well as an alternative to expensive commercial odor eliminators, putting your paper waste to work!
16. Clay Substitute
Make a moldable material similar to clay that costs absolutely nothing! Blend shredded paper with water until smooth, then squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with white glue and a little salt (as a preservative) to create a workable dough perfect for crafts.
Kids can shape it into beads, figurines, or ornaments. Once dry, paint with whatever colors you have on hand. The finished pieces are surprisingly durable and lightweight – perfect for creating holiday decorations or homemade gifts!