Believe it or not, even money can be repurposed and recycled. According to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, shredded currency can be obtained in small amounts as pre-packaged souvenirs and in larger quantities from the Federal Reserve Bank for commercial and artistic uses.
For decades, the Federal Reserve Bank had simply shredded and buried worn-out currency in landfills. But in the last decade many innovative uses have emerged for repurposing shredded currency as landfill space has declined and environmental concerns have increased.
Did You Know?
- US currency paper is 75 percent cotton and 25 percent linen, making it more durable than everyday wood pulp paper.
- The average $1 bill lasts 4.8 years.
- Shredded currency has been used in a variety of products including: automobile accessories, fuel pellets, packing materials, artwork, stationary, particle board, and roofing tiles.
- In 2012, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was the largest shredder of currency at 950 tons each year. This breaks down to shredding about 3 million notes per day with a face value of $49 million.
(Sources: Fox Business & NY Times)
