9 Ways To Use Leftover Sawdust

Sawdust often ends up in the trash bin after woodworking and construction projects, but it can be used in all sorts of practical ways around your house and garden. You can sprinkle it outside to improve soil quality or use it to make fire starters for your fireplace. In this guide, we explore some alternative uses for sawdust to help you make the most of this overlooked resource.

Gardening Uses for Sawdust

Using sawdust in your garden can save you money and effort. Here are a few ideas.

1. Mulching with Sawdust

Sawdust makes an excellent mulch for garden beds and around trees. It helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. To use sawdust as mulch, spread a 2-inch layer around plants, keeping it away from the stems to prevent rot. Be aware that fresh sawdust can temporarily deplete soil nitrogen as it decomposes, so it’s best to use aged sawdust or supplement with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

2. Creating Compost With Sawdust

Sawdust can be a valuable addition to your compost pile. It’s rich in carbon, which balances out nitrogen-rich materials such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps. To use sawdust in compost, mix it with other organic materials in a ratio of about one part sawdust to four parts green material. Ensure the pile stays moist and turn it regularly.

3. Natural Weed Control

Certain types of sawdust, particularly from walnut wood, have natural weed-suppressing properties. Spread a layer of walnut sawdust between the cracks of walkways or around garden beds to discourage weeds. However, be cautious when using walnut sawdust near plants, as it can inhibit some species’ growth.

Household Uses for Sawdust

Sawdust isn’t just for the garden—it has several practical applications inside the house as well. Here are three ways to use sawdust indoors.

1. Cleaning Up Spills

Sawdust is highly absorbent, making it excellent for cleaning up spills like oil and paint. Keep a bucket of sawdust handy in your garage or workshop for quick cleanup. Simply sprinkle sawdust over the spill, let it absorb the liquid, and then sweep it up.

2. Deodorizing Trash Cans

You can combat unpleasant odors in trash cans by sprinkling a layer of sawdust in the bottom of the bin. The sawdust will absorb any moisture and help neutralize odors. Replace the sawdust weekly for continued effectiveness.

3. Making Fire Starters

You can also turn sawdust into effective fire starters for your fireplace or campfire. Sawdust briquettes burn slowly and help get your fire going quickly. Here’s how to make one:

1. Melt candle wax in a nonstick pot.
2. Add sawdust until the mixture thickens.
3. Pour the mixture into an empty egg carton.
4. Let it cool and harden.
5. Break apart the sections for individual fire starters.

DIY and Craft Projects Using Sawdust

You can actually use sawdust for various craft and DIY projects. Here are three ways to incorporate it.

1. Creating Fake Snow

You can transform sawdust into realistic-looking fake snow for holiday crafts or winter-themed decorations. Mix sawdust with white paint and glue to create a snow-like texture. This mixture can be used to cover crafts, create winter dioramas, or add a snowy touch to holiday decorations.

2. Making Wood Filler

Fine sawdust, also known as wood flour, makes an excellent wood filler when mixed with wood glue. This homemade filler is particularly useful for matching the color and grain of the wood you’re repairing.

1. Mix fine sawdust with wood glue until it forms a paste.
2. Apply the mixture to fill holes or defects in wood.
3. Once dry, sand the area smooth.
4. Stain or finish as needed to match the surrounding wood.

3. Crafting Rustic Planters

Create unique, lightweight planters by mixing sawdust into cement. These planters are lighter than traditional cement pots and have a rustic, textured appearance. This technique, long used in cordwood construction, can be adapted for small-scale projects:

1. Mix one part cement with two parts sawdust.
2. Add water until the mixture reaches a moldable consistency.
3. Form the mixture into your desired planter shape.
4. Allow it to cure for several days before use.

Practical Storage Solutions for Sawdust

If you don’t have a use for the sawdust right away, you can save it for later. Follow these tips for proper storage.

Use Airtight Containers

Store sawdust in airtight containers. This keeps it dry and prevents it from becoming a fire hazard.

Label Different Types of Sawdust

If you generate sawdust from different types of wood, consider labeling your containers. Different woods can have varying effects, especially in gardening. For example, walnut sawdust is excellent for weed control but not ideal to use around certain plants.

Use a Dust Collection System

Consider using a dust collection system to gather sawdust if you’re generating a lot of it. This system minimizes airborne particles, making your workspace cleaner and healthier, and also makes sawdust collection easy and automatic. The collected sawdust can then be stored and used as needed.

Safety Considerations When Using Sawdust

While sawdust has many useful applications, you need to handle it safely. Fine sawdust particles can be a respiratory irritant and a fire hazard if not managed properly. Here are some safety tips:

• Always wear a dust mask when working with sawdust to avoid inhaling wood particles.
• Store sawdust in a dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources to prevent spontaneous combustion.
• Be aware that some wood species can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
• Clean up sawdust promptly to prevent slip hazards.
• When using sawdust for craft projects, ensure adequate ventilation and avoid open flames.

Why You Should Recycle Sawdust

Recycling sawdust has positive environmental impacts. Repurposing it reduces waste sent to landfills and minimizes the need for other resources. For example, using sawdust as mulch reduces the demand for commercial mulch products. When composted, sawdust returns nutrients to the soil, completing the natural cycle.

However, do consider the source of the sawdust. Sawdust from treated wood or wood with finishes may contain harmful chemicals and should not be used in gardens or composting. Always use sawdust from untreated, natural wood for gardening and household applications.