Chloe Zhang
As a cat owner, you may be interested in reducing your environmental footprint by recycling your kitty litter plastic jugs. While some people reuse these plastic containers for various purposes, such as storing used motor oil, others opt to recycle them. To recycle, check the underside of the bottle for a recycling symbol and additional notes to identify the type of plastic. If you use ARM & HAMMER™ Naturals or Feline Pine™ cat litter, you can recycle the plastic bag along with your baking soda, OxiClean™ or ARM & HAMMER™ laundry detergent pouches through a partnership with Terracycle.
How to recycle kitty litter plastic jugs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Check for a How2Recycle label | On the back, bottom or side of the kitty litter box or bag |
| Check for a recycling symbol | "2" for HDPE, "3" for PVC, "1" for PET |
| Recycle with | Baking soda, OxiClean, laundry detergent pouches |
| Recycle through | Terracycle |
| Other uses | Planters, storage, trash cans, first-aid kit, toy storage, diaper caddy, compost buckets, coolers |
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What You'll Learn
Using kitty litter jugs to store used motor oil
If you're looking for a way to store used motor oil, you may be able to reuse the plastic jugs from your kitty litter. Many people use these containers for this exact purpose, and they can be acquired cheaply or even for free.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check the bottom of the jug for a "2" inside a recycle symbol and the additional notation "HDPE". This indicates that the plastic is the same substance used for motor oil jugs. If the bottle is made of crystal-clear plastic, it is likely PVC, which is more brittle and prone to cracking.
Even if the plastic is the right type, some users have reported issues with the lids of kitty litter jugs. They may not withstand the pressure of liquid inside the container and can be prone to cracking if dropped. It is important to carefully inspect the lids and the integrity of the plastic to ensure there are no leaks. Some people recommend using a wide funnel to avoid spills when filling the jugs with used motor oil.
Another thing to consider is the thickness of the plastic. Some users have reported that the kitty litter jugs they receive are made of thinner plastic, which may not be suitable for storing motor oil. Thinner plastic can be more susceptible to leaks and may not withstand the weight of the oil. It is recommended to look for thicker plastic jugs, such as those used for Purple Power, which are less likely to leak and can hold more oil.
Overall, while kitty litter jugs can be used to store used motor oil, it is important to carefully inspect the containers and take the necessary precautions to avoid spills and leaks.
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Recycling kitty litter containers via Terracycle
Recycling kitty litter containers is a great way to show some love to the planet. If you're using specific brands of cat litter, such as ARM & HAMMER™ Naturals or Feline Pine™, you can recycle the plastic bags or pouches via Terracycle.
Terracycle is a company that specialises in recycling typically hard-to-recycle materials and products. Through partnerships with brands, they offer free national recycling programs for products that aren't always recyclable through your local council. For example, ARM & HAMMER™ has partnered with Terracycle to allow consumers to recycle their cat litter containers.
To recycle your cat litter containers via Terracycle, start by checking the packaging for recycling information. Look for a How2Recycle label on the back, bottom, or side of the container. This label will indicate the type of material the packaging is made from, such as cardboard, coated paper, or plastic. The text below the recycling symbol will tell you if the container is recyclable and how to prepare it for recycling.
If you're using ARM & HAMMER™ Naturals or Feline Pine™ cat litter, you can recycle the plastic bag or pouch through Terracycle. Follow the instructions on the Terracycle website, which may include steps to separate and prepare the materials for recycling. For example, Feline Pine Non-Clumping bags are eligible for store drop-off, providing a convenient way to recycle your cat litter containers.
Additionally, when choosing cat litter, consider options that come in recyclable packaging. For instance, some ARM & HAMMER™ cat litters, such as their clumping, multi-cat, orange box, lightweight, and easy clean-up litters, are packaged in cardboard boxes that can be easily recycled. By being mindful of the packaging and utilising programs like Terracycle, you can reduce your environmental impact and properly dispose of your kitty litter containers.
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Repurposing kitty litter jugs as toy storage
Plastic kitty litter jugs can be repurposed as storage containers for toys. Here are some ways to do this:
Basic storage container
Use the plastic jug as-is to store small toys, such as toy cars, Lego, or dolls. The handle on the jug makes it easy to carry and transport, and you can also write on the outside of the jug to label what is inside.
Fabric scrap storage
Cut a hole in the top of the jug and use it as a fabric scrap dispenser. This is especially useful for storing ribbons, wool, or twine, as the jug can be hung up and the fabric easily pulled from the middle.
Arts and crafts
For a more creative approach, decorate the outside of the jug with paint, stickers, or markers. You could also cut shapes out of the plastic to create a unique design. Once decorated, the jug can be used to store art supplies, such as crayons, pencils, and paintbrushes.
Garden storage
Kitty litter jugs can be used to store gardening supplies, such as seeds, plant labels, or twine. You could also cut off the top of the jug and use it as a scoop for soil, fertilizer, or pet food. Alternatively, cut off the handle to use it as a disposable funnel for draining oil or glue.
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Using kitty litter jugs as a planter
If you're looking for a way to recycle your kitty litter jugs, why not try upcycling them into planters? Here are some detailed steps and tips to guide you through the process of transforming these plastic jugs into functional and artistic planters.
First, ensure you have the necessary materials: kitty litter containers, a knife, duct tape, mesh (optional), tubing, and a drill or any tool that can make holes in plastic. You can also involve your children in the process by letting them decorate the jugs before they are converted into planters. This activity will spark their creativity and provide them with a sense of ownership over the final product.
Once you have the required materials, the next step is to prepare the container. Start by removing any labels and cleaning the jug thoroughly. After that, cut the container in half, ensuring that the top half can fit inside the bottom half in a reversed position. This design will create a self-watering system, allowing the soil to access the right amount of water without overwatering or under-watering.
Now, it's time to create the intake holes for water flow. You can do this by cutting a piece out of the handle, serving the dual purpose of allowing water to enter and providing a space for tubing if additional water is needed. Drill two holes on each side of the container, approximately 2-3 inches from the bottom, to enable water retention and help keep the soil moist.
Before using your newly crafted planter, place the lid underneath the jug to catch any excess water and paint the exterior to your liking. You can also add some creative touches, such as attaching a ribbon or fabric to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Finally, cut out some holes at the bottom of the planter to ensure proper soil aeration.
By following these steps, you can effectively transform kitty litter jugs into planters, reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you'll also have a unique and functional planter to display your favourite flowers or plants.
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Making kitty litter jugs into a diaper caddy
If you're looking for a way to recycle kitty litter plastic jugs, why not turn them into a diaper caddy? Here's a step-by-step guide to making your very own:
What You'll Need:
Firstly, gather your materials. For this project, you'll need:
- Kitty litter plastic jugs (make sure they are sturdy and have wide openings)
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- Fabric of your choice (enough to cover the jugs and create pockets)
- Thread (matching the colour of your fabric)
- Sewing kit or sewing machine
- Any desired decorations (such as ribbons, bows, or stickers)
Cutting and Preparing the Jugs:
Start by thoroughly cleaning the kitty litter plastic jugs to remove any residue. Once they're clean and dry, use your scissors or a sharp knife to cut the top portion of the jugs, creating an open container with a wide mouth. Be careful to smooth out any sharp edges that may remain after cutting. You can also decorate the outside of the jugs with paint, stickers, or any other craft materials to make them more aesthetically pleasing.
Creating the Pockets:
Using your fabric, cut out rectangles that will serve as pockets for your caddy. You can make different sizes of pockets to accommodate various diaper-changing essentials. Fold and press the raw edges of the fabric pockets, then stitch them closed. You can also add additional fabric compartments or dividers to create more storage options.
Assembling the Caddy:
Now it's time to attach the pockets to the jugs. Use your sewing kit or machine to stitch the pockets securely onto the outside of the jugs. You can arrange the pockets in any configuration that suits your needs, whether it's vertical rows or stacked pockets. Don't forget to reinforce the stitching, especially around the top sides of the pockets, to ensure they can withstand the weight of the items you'll be placing inside.
Final Touches:
Once your pockets are securely attached, you can add any final touches to your caddy. Consider stitching a fabric handle or strap to the top of the caddy for easy carrying. You can also add a fabric flap or lid to cover the opening, secured with a button or velcro. Don't forget to fill your caddy with diapers, wipes, creams, and any other essentials you need for quick and convenient diaper changes.
By following these steps, you'll have created a functional and unique diaper caddy from recycled kitty litter plastic jugs, contributing to both your convenience and environmental sustainability. Enjoy your new crafty creation!
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Frequently asked questions
Check the underside of the bottle for the notation "2" inside of a recycle symbol, and the additional note "HDPE". If the bottle is made of a crystal-clear plastic, then it's probably PVC. Look for a "3" inside the recycle symbol, along with a little "V" below that.
There are many ways to repurpose your kitty litter plastic jug, including using it as a planter, a first-aid kit, a diaper caddy, a garbage can, or a storage bin for toys.
Some stores, like Petco, allow you to refill your own container with litter. If you are using ARM & HAMMER™ Naturals or Feline Pine™ cat litter, you can recycle the plastic bag with your baking soda, OxiClean™ or ARM & HAMMER™ laundry detergent pouches through a partnership with Terracycle.
