Ethan Clarke
Plastic waste is a significant contributor to the rise of landfills. However, there are numerous ways to repurpose plastic containers and bottles. For instance, you can use plastic containers for storing food scraps for composting, as a scoop for pet food, or for storing laundry detergent. Plastic bottles can be used for making crafts, such as baskets, pencil cases, and jewellery stands. They can also be used for gardening, for example, as a watering can, a scoop for soil, or to protect seeds from birds and rodents.
What to do with empty plastic jars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crafts for children | DIY piggy bank, bird feeder, chandelier, spoon lamp, jewellery stand, baskets, cell phone holder, napkin holder, pencil organiser, leaf lamp, plastic bottle piggy bank |
| Gardening | Vertical garden, planters, watering can, scoop, enclosure to protect seeds and shoots, funnel, twine dispenser |
| Food storage | Food scraps for composting, pet food, laundry detergent, leftover food, salad jars, soup mixes, overnight oats, smoothies, meal prep |
| Home improvement | Moving pads, glue bottle, furniture sliders, paint stripper funnel, plastic bag dispenser, soap bottle |
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What You'll Learn
Use them to store food scraps for composting
Plastic jars can be reused in many ways to reduce waste and save money. One way to reuse plastic jars is to store food scraps for composting. This method is highly beneficial for the planet and is neither smelly nor difficult. When the jar is full, simply add the contents to your compost pile, rinse the jar, and reuse it.
Food scraps that can be stored in a jar include garlic. To separate the cloves from the peel, place the desired amount of garlic cloves in a jar, screw on the lid, and shake. The jar can also be used to store leftovers such as curries, stews, soups, and smoothies. Jars are air-tight, easily washed, and reusable.
For those who enjoy gardening, plastic jars can be used to store seeds. First, fill the jar with seeds and soil, and then drill or punch holes in the lid. The jar can then be used as a watering can to water your plants. Plastic jars can also be used to protect young plants from birds and rodents. Cut a gallon jug two-thirds of the way down from the bottom, place it over the planted seeds, and write the name of the plant on the jug.
Plastic jars can also be used for meal prepping. Chop up salad or vegetable ingredients and store them in a jar in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply pour your favourite dressing over the ingredients and mix.
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Cut them up and use them as scoops for pet food or laundry detergent
Plastic containers can be reused in many creative ways to reduce waste and save money. One way to reuse plastic containers is to cut them up and use them as scoops for pet food or laundry detergent.
First, select a container that is the right size for your intended use. Clean the container thoroughly, including the lid, and let it dry completely. You can use a marker to mark the amount of food or detergent that constitutes a serving, so you know how much to scoop.
Next, cut the container to the desired size and shape. You can use scissors or a utility knife, depending on the thickness of the plastic. If you are making a scoop for pet food or laundry detergent, you will likely want to cut the container about two-thirds of the way down from the bottom, creating a scoop-like shape. Smooth out any jagged edges with sandpaper or a file.
Finally, you can decorate your new scoop with paint or stickers if desired. This step is especially fun if you are making the scoop for children or as a gift. You can also add a ribbon or string to the handle for easy hanging storage.
By reusing plastic containers in this way, you can create a useful tool while also reducing waste and being environmentally friendly.
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Make a piggy bank or a jewellery stand
Make a piggy bank
Making a piggy bank out of a plastic jar is a fun way to ensure your money is all in one safe place. Here's how to make one:
- Wash out your plastic jar or bottle with regular tap water and let it sit for 10 minutes to dry.
- Remove any labels from your jar with soap and water.
- Cut out a 1-inch (2.5 cm) coin slot with a box cutter or scalpel in the middle of the lid or one of the long sides of the bottle.
- Attach a label to the side of the jar with the name "piggy bank" and keep it in a safe location.
- Decorate your jar any way you like. You can use colourful tape, stickers, puffy paint, or permanent markers.
Make a jewellery stand
Instead of throwing away plastic bottles, you can reuse them to make a stylish jewellery stand. Here's how:
- Cut off the bottom of a plastic bottle with a utility knife or cutter to make a tray. Trim the edges with scissors to make it neater and more flower-shaped.
- Drill holes in the centre of each tray that are the same size as your threaded rod.
- Cut as far down into the plastic as possible with the scissors, and then use a rotary tool to smooth any jagged edges for a smooth finish.
- Decorate your jewellery stand by sticking on some beads, buttons, or stones. You can also cover the borders and sides with lace or colour sheets.
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Create a plastic bag dispenser
Plastic bags are useful to have around, but they can quickly become a cluttered mess if not stored properly. A plastic bag dispenser made from a plastic bottle is a great way to reuse plastic and keep your bags organised. Here's how to create one:
Materials and Preparation
You will need a large plastic bottle, preferably a 2-litre bottle for greater capacity, and a utility knife or a razor knife. Ensure the bottle is clean and dry before starting. If you want to decorate your dispenser, gather paint, duct tape, markers, fabric, or washi tape.
Cutting the Bottle
Using your knife, carefully cut off the top of the bottle, just below the cap. Then, cut off the bottom of the bottle. You may wish to save the bottom as a small dish for screws or other small items. Trim any sharp or jagged edges to prevent tearing the bags when dispensing them.
Creating the Dispensing Hole
Near the old bottom of the bottle, now the top of your dispenser, create a hole for hanging. You can use the knife to make this hole by twisting it back and forth with just the point in contact with the bottle. Alternatively, you can drill a hole if you have the appropriate tools.
Filling the Dispenser
Prepare your plastic bags by laying them flat and removing any air. Fold each bag in half so that the handles lay one over the other. Place the handles of the next bag over the bottom of the previous bag. Repeat this process until you have a stack of overlapped bags. Finally, roll the stack of bags, starting from the end with the folded handles. You can also roll individual bags and squeeze out the air to create a tube, then stack them together.
Hanging the Dispenser
Once your dispenser is filled with bags, hang it on a nail or screw through the hole you created earlier. Pull the first bag through the dispensing hole, and you're done! You can also attach the dispenser to a cabinet door, closet wall, or wall using hook-and-loop tape or velcro strips.
Decoration (Optional)
If you wish to decorate your dispenser, do so before hanging it up. You can paint the bottle, cover it with duct tape or washi tape, or use markers and fabric to make it your own. Get creative and have fun!
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Use them as planters
Plastic jars can be used as planters in a variety of ways. Firstly, you can cut the bottom off a 2-litre plastic bottle, decorate it with paint and stickers, fill it with soil and seeds, and use it as a planter. You can also cut off the top of a plastic bottle and use the bottom as a planter, or cut off the top and bottom and use the middle section as a planter. If you cut off the top of a plastic bottle and attach a zipper, you can create a colourful pencil case for children.
Another way to use plastic bottles as planters is to create a vertical garden. This involves cutting plastic bottles in half, creating holes for string or twine, and hanging them up. You can also use plastic bottles as scoops for soil, fertiliser, or pet food. To do this, cut off the top of the bottle and replace the cap.
If you're looking for a more creative project, you can turn your plastic bottles into decorative planters by cutting them into shapes like butterflies and attaching them to a surface. You can also use plastic bottles as a cheap and sustainable way to organise your kitchen counters and store snacks. Simply cut off the top of the bottle and use the bottom as a container.
Finally, plastic bottles can be used as a fun and educational project for children. Cut off the top of a plastic bottle and let your child decorate it with paint, stickers, or other craft supplies. Once they're done, fill the bottle with soil and seeds and watch your garden grow!
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some fun and easy ways to repurpose plastic bottles:
- Cut off the top and use it as a scoop for soil, fertilizer, or pet food.
- Cut off the top and bottom and use it as a plastic bag dispenser.
- Cut off the top and use it as a pen or craft supply holder.
- Cut off the top and bottom, attach a zipper, and use it as a pencil case.
- Cut off the bottom and use it as a furniture slider when moving heavy objects.
- Cut off the bottom and use it as a twine dispenser.
- Cut a semi-circular opening and use it to clean your putty knife while stripping paint or varnish.
- Cut the bottom off a 2-liter bottle, decorate it, fill it with seeds and soil, and use it as a planter.
- Reuse as a watering can by drilling holes in the cap.
- Reuse as a soap dispenser.
Here are some ways to give plastic jars a second life:
- Use them for storing food, like overnight oats, soup, or leftovers.
- Use them for storing bathroom essentials like cotton pads, buds, bath salts, shampoo bars, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
- Use them for meal prepping and storing salads.
- Use them for regrowing vegetables like romaine lettuce, leeks, celery, and green onions.
- Use them for storing yarn or other craft supplies.
- Use them as a piggy bank.
- Use them as a vase or planter.
- Use them as a match jar.
Glass jars can be reused in many of the same ways as plastic jars. Here are some additional ideas:
- Use them for container gardening, especially for herbs.
- Use them as candle holders or to make your own candles.
- Use them as vases for flowers.
- Use them as gift containers instead of wrapping paper and gift boxes.
Here are some ideas for repurposing bigger plastic containers:
- Use them for storing food scraps for composting.
- Use them as a scoop for pet food.
- Use them for storing laundry detergent or other household products bought in bulk.
