The end result from your shredder can be recycled in a number of ways which can save you money, whilst at the same time helping the environment.
Everybody hates receiving junk mail through the post so if you don't need double glazing, a personal loan or to make a no win no fee injury claim then maybe some of the ideas below will help you make some use of it!
The suggestions here are just scraping the surface as the possibilities are almost endless!
- Allow the Local Council to recycle them - Most local councils will be able to recycle shredded paper, and some councils may even collect shredded paper as part of your recycling collection.
It is worth checking in your area as some councils will not collect shredded waste if it is inside a plastic bag. Some newer shredding machines from Acco Rexel now come with recyclable bags made from card rather than plastic.
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Animal Bedding - Shredded paper makes a cheap, allergy free alternative to conventional hay and straw animal bedding.
It is perfect for small pets such as Hamsters, Gerbils, Rabbits or Hibernating Tortoises or even larger ones such as Dogs, Cattle or even Horses!
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Garden Mulch - Many gardeners endorse the use of shredded paper as a natural, cost effective fertiliser in the garden!
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Packaging Material - Shredded paper can be used to line boxes and protect even the most awkwardly shaped item.
It's perfect for anyone selling anything on eBay as it's much cheaper (and better for the environment) than polystyrene chips or bubble wrap!
Shredded coloured paper also makes great packaging for small gifts (the sort you buy your Mother on her birthday and is a little trick that gift shops use all of the time).
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Children's Craft - 5. Children's Craft - instead of soaking the newspaper or toilet paper in water overnight you could put some shredded paper into a blender with some water.
Add some glue and you have Papier-mâché - hours of fun for you and your children. Some professional Papier-mâché sculptors use shredded paper as they believe you get a better end result!
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Wedding Confetti - If you use a Cross Cut (sometimes called Confetti Cut) shredder then the shredded waste will make perfect confetti.
You can even buy paper in different colours to match the bridesmaid's outfits.
A lot of churches and registry offices will only allow biodegradable confetti so shredded waste is the perfect answer although always check with the vicar first!
