When I started rocketry as a hobby, one of the first questions I asked was "What alternatives are there to the Estes type tissue wadding?" My personal reason was the fact that you use a fair bit of it, and it's only sold in fairly small packets here in Perth, and at $10 a pack, the cost quickly adds up - especially if you have a few large diameter rockets in your fleet. So, here are the alternatives that I've been able to find. Some of this information is based from tips on Essences Model Rocketry Reviews (great site) or from the rec.models.rockets FAQ.

Firstly, the best wadding is no wadding at all! Use a piston or baffle system if you can. But if you can't....

My personal favorite if I have to use wadding: Cellulose insulation. This stuff is just shredded paper that has been made fire resistant. It is biodegradable and very cheap. I purchased a huge bag of the stuff for $12 from Insul-Fiber in Wangarra. I estimate this bag will last me about 10 years!

Worm bedding: This is basically just coconut fiber. You can buy it at (guess where) Worm Suppliers!

Crepe Paper: Everyone knows what this stuff is. By screwing it up into a ball and keeping an eye on where it lands, you can recover your recovery wadding and reuse it!

There are also piston ejection systems and baffels. Return to the education center for more info on pistons and baffles.

Left: Celulose. Right: Estes type wadding (It's actually Quest wadding) - Click for larger image.

The most important things to remember when selecting recovery wadding are 1) It MUST be flame resistant! 2) It MUST be biodegradable. DO NOT use paper towel or toilet paper as these burn very easily and will help your 'chute become a plastic blob rather than preventing it.