Not every recycling company accepts shredded paper at pickups. If your business’s recycling service doesn’t accept paper scraps, it doesn’t mean you should throw away and waste all that precious paper. Instead, consider how your business can use shredded paper instead of tossing it out. Here are some creative ways you can use paper scraps around the office.
Use It as Packaging
Shredded paper makes an excellent packing material for shipping products and more. Whether you ship products out of a warehouse or not, every business can use packing materials. Use paper scraps as protective packaging to store and transport breakable objects. To minimize the mess, you can first add shredded paper to plastic bags and then add them to your packing boxes.
Add It to Your Compost
Paper is a crucial ingredient in any good composting bin. Paper makes up the brown waste category, which you need to form layers between green waste like food scraps and more. If you don’t have a compost bin at work yet, having shredded paper on hand makes it easier than ever to get started. All you need is a compost-friendly container, your shredded paper “browns,” and some food waste or other “greens.” Layer these two types of compost together and leave your bin to sit. Soon, you’ll have healthy fertilizer for your office garden or potted plants.
Make Recycled Paper
If you’re looking for a fun and eco-friendly team-building activity, try making recycled paper for your business. Paper scraps make the perfect base for recycled paper because they are already shredded. Follow tutorials online to create a shredded paper pulp and press it into sheets. Soon, you’ll have your own recycled paper you can use for daily tasks once again.
Donate It
Is there a local animal shelter near your business? If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, you could also consider donating your shredding machine’s scraps. Shelters can often use paper for animals’ bedding, which they need to change out often. This is an effective way to reuse paper and get more use out of it.
These are some creative ways your business can use shredded paper. No matter how you use your paper scraps, remember to use a high-security paper destroyer to ensure none of your business’s data is left over. You can find various high-security shredders for a range of industries here at Capital Shredder.