MagicWater Supply Crinkle Cut Paper Shred Filler (1 LB) for Gift Wrapping & Basket Filling - Kraft

Q: is this filler biodegradable?

It looks like it is but I have no way to know for sure as there was no labeling to that effect.

Q: Why doesn this smell so bad ?

I’ve had that problem with some paper shreds (can’t remember which company or companies), but I was able to get the smell out. Dump the contents out and wrap in unscented/fragrance free paper towels, put in a ziplock bag, close it and set it aside for a day or two. When you check it, there should be less smell or no smell in the shred. The paper towel and ziplock bag will smell. Recycle them. If the shred still smells, then repeat the process (using new paper towel and new ziplock bag) as necessary. You can also use charcoal drawer liner sheets (great product sold on Amazon and directly from Bamboo MN) but the paper towels will soak up the bad smell faster.