I personally don't see any more waste than when I'm cutting strips, pieces, etc. I did see Georgia Bonesteel use scraps like these to stuff the chicken pin cushions. Unless I were planning to stuff small pillows for pets or whatever, or saving them to throw out for the birds to help them build their nests, I would more than likely toss them. Although, looking again they might be pretty placed in a clear jar in your sewing room.