1) Pack stuff with it. 2) Scent it with essential oil and make a sachet. 3) Use it as animal bedding, or donate it to a vet, animal shelter, etc. 4) Extend your kitty litter. 5) Make your own paper. 6) Make papier mache.

Yes, except for colored and glossy paper, which might contain some toxic heavy metals, newsprint and other paper is safe to use as mulch or in compost. In fact, one study revealed that paper had less toxic material than straw or grass.

Mixed grade paper is still recyclable, but you may have a harder time finding a recycler who will take it. Shredded paper can be recycled as long as it is shredded to an appropriate size and does not include too many contaminants, such as plastic bag residue.