It's important to shred your documents to protect yourself from identity theft.Since shredded paper can get caught in the machines, many areas don't allow you to add it to your recycling bin.If you want to properly recycle your shredded paper, you should check with your city's waste management facility to see how to dispose of it in your area.You can find new uses for the shreds around your home.
Step 1: Call your city's recycling service to find out what to do with your paper.
Ask your local recycling facility if they accept shredded paper in recycling bins.If you follow specific guidelines, some areas may accept shredded paper, but others may not.To find out if they have any suggestions for what to do, ask them about any other recycling services in the area.You can find this information on the website for your city's recycling service.
Step 2: Before putting shredded paper in your bin, seal it in a bag.
Pieces of shredded paper can fall through the recycling machines and cause damage.Put all of your shredded paper in a bag.If the bag is full, tie the handles together or fold over the edge to prevent the scraps from escaping.When you are done, put the sealed bag in the recycling bin.Some facilities don't accept bags.
Step 3: If your city allows it, shredded paper can be put in a compost bin.
You can use a green bin in some cities.The shredded paper should be mixed with the rest of the compost.If you put your compost bin outside before collection day, the workers will be able to collect it.Composting collection services are not always offered by every city.
Step 4: There are shredding events in your area.
Some communities have shredding events where you can get rid of your papers.Bring any paper you want to throw away safely if you search online for shredding events near you.Take your paper to the shredding machine when you arrive.Your shredded paper will be thrown into the shredder by the person running it.Smaller cities may only host shredding events a few times a year.Junk mail, colored paper, and newspapers are not accepted at most events.
Step 5: Pack boxes and fragile materials with shredded paper.
A layer of shredded paper is placed at the bottom of the box.Put your items on top of shredded paper so they don't collide.When you transport or send your items, fill in the spaces between them with shredded paper.If you want, shredded paper can be used to fill gift bags.If you use shredded paper to fill packages for other people, make sure your shredded documents are legible.
Step 6: If you have a pet, shred the paper and use it for bedding.
Small animals, such as mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs, use paper scraps and small shreds to make their nest.If you mix shredded paper with equal parts of your pet's bedding, it will adjust to it.Once it gets dirty, line the bottom of the cage with the mix and replace it.shredded paper can be an add-in for pet litter since it can absorb odors.
Step 7: Kindling sticks can be made by stuffing the shreds into paper towel rolls.
To close a paper towel tube, pinch or twist the end.Pack shredded paper tightly using a knife or spoon by pushing it into the tube.Continue filling the tube until you run out of paper shreds.If you want to use your kindling, set the tube at the base of the fire pit and light it.If you want a firestarter that is more dangerous, you can mix in dryer lint.dryer lint can catch easily and an open flame or heat source could cause it to ignite.
Step 8: Compost.
Carbon is added to the soil and helps plants grow better.The shredded paper should be put into a compost bin with the rest of the food waste.The compost has a good carbon to nitrogen ratio if a balance of 25 parts paper to 1 part vegetable and food waste is maintained.Chemicals that could affect the balance of your soil can be found in glossy paper shreds.
Step 9: Seed bombs can be made with the paper to give as gifts.
Put 3-4 sheets of shredded paper in a blender with 2 cups of hot water.Put the paper in the water for 10 minutes and then blend it on medium speed until it forms a thick paper.The flower seeds should be mixed in by hand.Put the pulp into balls or into a mold and let them dry overnight.If you want the seeds to grow, put the seed bomb in a pot with soil and water it.Smaller-sized seeds are more likely to grow and won't take up as much space as larger seeds.If you want to make fun shapes, cut the seed bombs with cookie cutters.
Step 10: You can make new sheets of paper from your shreds.
Put shredded paper in a blender and pour water over it.Before pouring the mixture into the framed window screen, you need to blend the paper on high for about 1 minute.Take the water out of the screen and put it in the frame.You can use the frame for crafts or projects if you put it on a dry towel.Your homemade paper may not be the most durable because it will get weaker the more you shred it.