I pin about 4 inches also. Usually the width of my palm for reference.
I save all my scraps, no matter how small. From time to time I go through and cut them into various size strips and squares. The little triangles are made into HSTs to be used later. Then the pieces are put into storage containers till I have enough to use in a quilt. Even itty pieces can be chopped up into fluff and put out for the birds. I must admit, I now do throw out some pieces I know will never make it into a pattern.