How to Recycle Paper Fiber
- 1). Shred your paper into long, thin strips using a paper shredder or scissors. Place the paper in a large bag or other container with some water, and allow it to soak for a few hours. The resulting paper mixture can be placed directly onto flower beds or gardens, and can be covered with a thin layer of dirt if necessary to prevent the paper fibers from blowing away. This is an excellent method to prevent and kill weeds, as the paper fibers will block the weeds from receiving the necessary sunlight to grow.
- 2). Blend your paper in a blender or food processor with a little bit of water to make it into a smooth pulp which is perfect for composting. If you wish, you can simply tear up your paper or shred it in a shredder and add a little water, but making it into pulp will transform it into quality compost more quickly. Place the pulp mixture into a dark, lidded container with equal parts of paper and dirt, and feel free to add your food trash as well. Stir the mixture every few days and soon you will have quality compost.
- 3). Soak strips of paper in water overnight with liquid starch if you wish to recycle them into new paper. Pull the paper apart the next day and dip papermaking frames into them, catching as much pulp as possible. Smooth out the layer of pulp with a rocking motion, then remove the top frame and place the other frame paper side down onto a piece of wet felt. Slowly remove the frame and let the wet felt dry under a stack of heavy books, then remove the paper from the felt and iron it if necessary or press between heavy books again.