I cut mine into the largest possible piece I can get out of it, and put any trimmings into a separate drawer. I very rarely have throw away. My thinking is I'd love to do one of those confetti things some day. Even the strings, threads and snips go out for the birds. I do have some specific drawers - 1", 1.5", 2", 1.5" strips at all lengths, but the rest is just sorted by light and dark.