15 Creative Ways To Repurpose Shredded Paper To Use In Your Home And Garden

No one likes piles and piles of paperwork, but sometimes these items have information that we don't want getting into the wrong hands. One of the easiest ways to destroy sensitive or personal info on paper is to shred it. With mounds of tiny pieces of paper, you may be tempted to throw it away or recycle. But don't toss out those scraps; instead, check out these 15 creative ways to repurpose shredded paper in your home and garden, like adding comfort to your pet's cage and improving your garden compost.

While you may think it is the right move to donate your shreds of paper, it's imperative to know that most recycling companies do not take this product. Already in tiny pieces, these shreds are too small to be processed through recycling machines and they end up falling out of screens and jamming equipment instead. Shredded paper can also create extra dust when it goes through the recycling process, making it dangerous to workers. Therefore, your best option is to keep it for your own use. Since these tiny pieces of paper can make a mess, it's best to place the shreds in a bag until you use it.

A hypoallergenic alternative to wood chips as bedding is shredded paper. This type of bedding encourages natural nesting behaviors since many animals like mice use paper in the wild. When creating your paper bedding, you'll want to make sure there are no harmful chemicals on it like ink since some animals ingest their bedding materials. Unlike wood chips, some paper choices are dust-free, which is great for any animals that have respiratory problems. And the best thing about shredded paper bedding is that it is significantly cheaper than the packaged ones from a pet store.

Protect all the packages you ship out with all those tiny scraps of paper you've been saving. Surrounding your fragile or important objects with shreds of paper creates a barrier to deter scratches, dents, and other damages. Having enough paper will absorb the shock and movement while your package gets to its final destination. Additionally, moving can cost you a ton. Save money by using shredded paper instead of purchasing packing peanuts for an eco-friendly, affordable stuffing option.

Shredded paper is one quick addition that will help you control bad odors in your compost bin. These tiny pieces of paper have qualities that can speed up the composting process as well as even out the high nitrogen levels that kitchen and yard waste produce. Additionally, paper is filled with carbon, which brings healthy nutrients to your garden soil and plants. The best way to achieve this is by starting of with a layer of paper, adding a layer of organic kitchen and yard scraps on top, and repeating until you have enough.

With all those shreds, you can make your very own paper. This is a creative, sustainable project that is super useful if you're always running out. To achieve this, you'll need to mix water and paper together until it creates a homogeneous pulp combo. With that thick mixture, you will evenly smear it on a permeable screen or fabric for drying. If you want to add personality, mix or place in petals, glitter, and dyes before drying. Depending on the surrounding moisture levels and paper density, your creation can take up to three days to completely dry.

Easily ignite your fire by keeping your scraps of paper as kindling. Whether you are trying to start your fireplace, wood stove burner, or an outdoor firepit, shredded paper is a cheap and fast way to get your flames going. All you need to do is grab a handful of scraps and place it under your small twigs. Set the paper on fire and let it spread to the wood. Once the smaller branches are aflame, add your larger logs on top.

Shredding paper for kitty litter is a way to repurpose junk mail instead of sending it to the trash. Cats prefer litter boxes with a lot of depth that are filled with litter. However, cat litter is a pretty pricey essential item. Make it a budget-friendly option by adding shredded paper under the main litter. By doing this, you don't have to use as much litter, and it is completely safe for your feline fur-babies. If you have too much paper, contact your local pet shelter since they sometimes are looking for this supply as well.

Did you know that some people use shredded paper as garden mulch? White printer paper or newspaper work as a great tool to regulate soil temperature and control weed growth. Accomplish this task by placing paper scraps beneath your shrubs and trees and spraying water on top of it. Once damp, place straw on top and let the magic begin. 

Decorate your next party with shredded paper. These tiny scraps work great as biodegradable confetti or even a means to create a crafty garland. You also can use scraps to fill baskets, boxes, and even ornaments. Keep your shredded paper around to use for your favorite egg-hunting celebration as an Easter basket filler or keep it as a cushion to protect any gifts you give on birthdays or holidays. You can even use it to stuff a scarecrow during your favorite fall festivities. The decorating options are limitless as long as you're ready to get crafty.

Keep your clothes smelling divine all day long by using your scraps of paper to stuff inside a sachet. This nice-smelling item is a small pouch filled with a perfumed object that helps keep clothes and linen fresh. Adding paper is an easy, affordable choice to stuff inside a sachet. To make it smell nice, place a few essential oil drops. However, don't over pour the oils on the paper since it isn't as absorbent as cloth. It's super easy to replace because all you have to do is dump out the shreds and replace with new ones. 

One of the simplest things you can do with those little pieces of paper is to keep it for arts and crafts. There are many activities you can accomplish with shredded paper. Make unique collages and artwork. Add decorations to vases and bowls. Whip up paper mâché or a piñata. Whatever your crafty brain conjures, make it a reality with your leftover paper scraps. Don't forget that this can be a messy project with the little ones, so place a table cloth down to prevent spills on tables, floors, and countertops.

Shredding paper is a great tool to use if you struggle with getting your seeds to grow. Take 1 cup of paper and put it inside a blender with 2 cups of water. From there, blend your paper into a pulp. With this thick mixture, drain out the excess water over a bowl. Then, combine the pulp and seeds by hand. Once thoroughly mixed, place in a mold or plastic wrap and let it dry for up to 24 hours. After drying, it is ready to go into soil.

In general, birds love paper. Many of our flying pets can't wait to get their beaks on paper to shred. Keep them busy by giving them a handful of paper scraps. Shredded paper is also great for chicken coops. These farm animals can use it as an economical nesting material to lay their eggs. You can also sprinkle it on the floor, providing them extra insulation and an easier way to sweep up chicken messes. Just remember to use paper that doesn't have toxic ink or chemicals so your birds don't get sick.

Some plants like beans and peas need excess amounts of water. You can retain this moisture by filling a trench with shredded paper. Start by digging a trench under your water-loving plants. Then, place the shredded paper on top and soak it in water. Your loose shred will keep your soil moist for longer periods of time. If you see the paper drying out or decomposing, repeat the process. 

Never ruin another rag again while cleaning up small oil spills in the garage, when shredded paper will do the trick. For this hack, all you need to do is sprinkle on the paper and let it absorb the oil. Keep adding paper until all the liquid is transferred. After that, you'll just sweep up the mess. You'll want to do this trick as soon as the spill happens to lower your chances of oil stains. 

Many waste management companies will not dispose of paint cans with paint inside. Most of them have specific requirements based on different types of paint, like latex. Regardless, you must solidify all paint before disposal. One of the best ways to harden this product is by throwing shredded paper into the can. To bind the paint, to stir in your paper shreds until you can't move your stirring stick anymore.