Shredding paper has become common in both the home and the workplace ever since identity theft started occurring at a startling pace. (Paper shredders are also more affordable than ever before.) Whether you shred just occasionally (say, to get rid of unsolicited credit card offers) or you shred a high volume of paper on a daily basis, there’s always the question of what to do with your shreds. Here’s a few ideas for you.

1.) Recycling. If nothing else, you can always recycle your shreds. In fact, you should do this as opposed to throwing them in the trash. This prevents the landfills from getting even fuller and it helps save trees. Recycling is easy so you can take care of it quickly and then be done with it. Alternatively, you could compost the shreds if you prefer.
2.) Starting fires. You can definitely use your shreds to help start a fire whether you’re at home or out in the woods. This is a great alternative to newspaper and lighter fluid since you won’t have to pay for the shreds and you need to get rid of them anyway. (Just be careful when starting your fire!)
3.) Packing material. Shipping costs are always on the rise. Whether it’s stamps, boxing, or packing materials, these supplies get even more expensive with each passing year. But if you have a paper shredder, you can cut down on your costs by using your shreds as packing material. Just save the bits after you empty your machine’s waste bin and you’ll have something with which you can line your boxes. (This is especially true if you shred a lot of paper regularly.) If you have a cardboard shredder, you can also use that material when preparing your shipments.
4.) Gift bags. Do you have a bunch of newspapers or magazines you want to get rid of? If so, you should run them through your shredder so you can use them in gift bags. This is a great, cost-effective alternative to commercial filler and the recipient of your gift will be impressed with your ingenuity.
5.) Pet supplies. Pets enrich many people’s lives and if you have some of your own, your shreds can come in handy. For one thing, you can place some in your pocket pet’s cage so your critter can make a comfy nest out of it. You could also use the shreds to fill up a larger bed for your dog or cat. When you need to wash the cover, you can recycle the shreds and stuff new ones in after the cover has dried. (This will cut down on smells and give you a use for your new shreds.) Also, you might want to consider using your shreds in your cat’s litter box. That way, you can save money on kitty litter and your pet can remain comfortable. (Clay litter is tough on a cat’s paws and can cause problems if your pet has recently been declawed.)

Shredding your paper can not only protect your identity, it can provide you with enough material for a variety of other uses from protecting items during shipping to making your pet happy. Shred your documents today with a high-security shredder so you can stay safe and get more use out of them.