We use so much paper on a daily basis that recycling has become an important aspect to consider.
Don’t just throw out waste paper. Next time you make a mistake printing, or throw old school papers in the bin, stop, and think of creative ways you can reuse it.
It can certainly be recycled. Here are 19 creative ways you can reuse scrap paper.
1. Flip it over and print again
This is probably the most obvious and most overlooked use for scrap printer paper. This is especially useful when you’ve run out of paper.
2. Make a wallet
Paper might not be as durable as other materials such as nylon or leather but these wallets work great and are completely customizable. Be creative or keep it plain.
3. DVD/CD Holder
While CD’s aren’t as common as they use to be with flash drives and cloud services replacing them over time. You may still have some great movies on DVD’s or have that special album of your favourite bands. The plastic cases of CD were notorious for breaking, especially those pesky clips that are supposed to hold the disc in place. Now you can keep your media safe and sound in a custom paper holder you can make yourself.
4. Paper pencil holder
Perfect to tidy up your workspace, home office or study. Keep the kids busy and encourage them to keep their desk neat with this easy to make paper pen holder.
5. Bind your own notepad or sketchbook
If you have a bunch of scrap paper you could bind them into a bundle and use if as a notebook or sketchbook. Write stories, doodle, plan, sketch, make lists or whatever.
6. Giftboxes with origami
Another great way to reuse scrap paper is to craft your own gift boxes. Using origami, you can craft boxes of all shapes and sizes.
This comes in particularly handy for Christmas or birthday trinkets. In case you had a colourful misprint you’ve got a unique gift box in the making.
7. Sticky notes
Keep it simple and use thin double-sided sticky tape to create your own stickable notes.
8. Fold paper planes
Scrap paper is also most likely to be folded into a paper jet. This video tutorial will teach you how to make some of the best paper planes that can help fly much further.
9. Bookmark page holder
Another simple idea for those who love to read a physical book is to use scrap paper to make a bookmark. Cut paper into 300mm wide strips. Simply take two or three strips and stick them together with glue or tape, for a more durable result. You could even punch a hole in the top and tie a small loop of string to complete your custom bookmark.
10. Hone your drawing skill
Learning how to draw is a great purpose for waste paper. Something to get your creativity going is to draw an optical illusion.
This example is a great starting point to learn about anamorphic illusions and hone your drawing skill.
11. DIY Giftwrap
Don’t have wrapping paper, no worries. Use waste computer printer paper if the item isn’t too big. Be creative, save some money and don’t care what other people think.
12. Make a working circuit and learn about electronics
With only a pencil and paper you can create a working circuit. The graphite in a pencil is able to conduct a current large enough to light a bulb. You can test this out with a sheet of scrap paper, an LED, and a battery.
Simply draw the circuit on a sheet of paper, connect the components, and be amazed.
13. Packaging material
If you own a shredder don’t throw out your waste or recycle it immediately. Using scrap paper for packaging materials is much greener than foam packing peanuts.
14. Make a paper cracker
This hack for waste paper may bring back some childhood memories for some. This video tutorial will teach you how to fold a paper cracker. This “air cracker” can make a real loud snap, so be careful where you use it.
Please do not use this toy near pets as it can be damaging to their sensitive hearing.
15. Greeting card
Homemade cards add a personal touch to any birthday or occasion. You could fold it in odd ways to hide old prints and decorate it any way you like.
16. Paper shooter
With just a few sheets of scrap paper, rubber bands, and sticky tape, you can fire small pellets of scrap paper at targets.
This project is a little more complex than some of the scrap paper projects, but is definitely worth a go.
17. Paper crossbow
This is an upgrade on the Paper shooter project and in this video tutorial you can learn how to make a paper crossbow that shoots real paper arrows.
This is no doubt the most advanced paper project on this list, which requires a few tools and a glue gun.
18. Paper claws
Perfect for cosplay, a theatrical performance or for Halloween. These paper claws are mostly harmless and they make a visual impression. Designed to slip onto each finger. Get creative and add some colour and these paper claws suddenly look even more realistic.
19. Masks
Why not make a mask to match your paper claws. This video tutorial will give you an idea but your imagination is the limit. Take it a step further by using paper-mâché to construct a mask.
Limitless uses for scrap paper
There are hundreds of uses for scrap paper. Be creative, you’ll discover many uses without spending money.
Check YouTube or Google is a good way to start. You’ll also find plenty of creative ideas on Pinterest.