Sofia Martinez
Plastic storage bins are useful for keeping things organised, but they can be difficult to recycle. They are often too large for curbside recycling bins, and most recycling programmes are not set up to recycle them. However, there are several ways to reuse or repurpose plastic bins. They can be used for storage or organisation in various parts of the house, including the garage, shed, attic, and car boot. They can also be used for gardening, as planters or to store supplies, and even as a litter box for cats. If you no longer want your plastic bins, you can donate them to local community centres, schools, thrift stores, or non-profits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bins are hard to recycle | Common recycling programs are not set up to recycle plastic bins. |
| Plastic bins can be reused | Plastic bins can be reused for storage, organization, arts and crafts, and gardening. |
| Plastic bins should not be used for food storage | Plastic food storage containers often contain BPA or phthalates, which can cause health issues over time. |
| Plastic bins should not be used to store certain items | Antique linens, clothing made of leather and fur, comforters, wool blankets, and seeds should not be stored in plastic bins. |
| Plastic bins can be recycled by certain companies | TerraCycle and Really Useful Boxes make products from recycled plastic. |
| Plastic bins can be donated | Thrift stores, local charities, schools, childcare centers, senior centers, and non-profits may accept donations of plastic bins. |
| Plastic bins can be repurposed for home decor | Plastic bins can be decorated with burlap fabric and wrapping paper to match the style of a house. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bins are hard to recycle
However, there are certain brands that produce recyclable plastic bins, such as Really Useful Boxes, which are made from polypropylene. These can be recycled in council recycling bins. So, it's always good to check the brand of the container for this information. You can also check for the universal recycling symbol, which consists of three arrows in the shape of a triangle, with a number 1, 2, or 5 inside. If you see any of these numbers, the container can be recycled.
If you are unable to recycle your plastic bins, there are alternative ways to reuse them. You can use them for storage around your house, such as in the garage or shed, to store garden supplies, pet toys, or muddy shoes. You can also use them to store recyclable materials that don't fit in your kerbside bins, such as film plastic or baby food pouches.
If you no longer want to keep your plastic bins, you can donate them to thrift stores, charities, schools, or childcare centres, which might find them useful. You can also give them away for free on websites like Freecycle or online material exchange platforms in your area. Some county governments also accept plastic storage containers for recycling, so you can check with your local government or waste management agency for options.
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Reuse plastic bins for storage
Plastic storage bins are difficult to recycle because they are often too large for curbside recycling bins and recycling programs are usually more interested in collecting smaller items like plastic water bottles. However, there are many ways to reuse plastic storage bins for storage.
Donate to thrift stores, schools, or charities
If your plastic storage bins are still in good shape, consider donating them to thrift stores, schools, or charities. These organizations often require storage containers and will gladly accept donations.
Utilize vertical storage space
To maximize storage space, install a wall-mounted storage system that utilizes plastic storage bins. This allows you to slide the bins into metal brackets attached to the wall, providing easy access and saving floor space.
Store board games and craft supplies
Plastic storage bins are perfect for organizing board games and keeping them dust-free. You can also use smaller bins to sort and store craft supplies, such as leftover materials, buttons, and screws. Labeling the bins makes it easier to find what you need.
Create a toy box
Plastic bins can be easily dressed up to match your home decor. Cover them with burlap fabric or wrapping paper to create a stylish toy box for your living room.
Organize medicine and electronic components
Small plastic bin drawers are ideal for storing and organizing medicine, batteries, and electronic components. Labeling each drawer makes it quick and convenient to find what you need.
Store garden and pet supplies
If you have worn-out plastic bins, you can still use them to store garden supplies, pesticides, and muddy shoes in your garage or shed. They are also useful for organizing pet toys, leads, and other supplies.
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Use plastic bins for arts and crafts
Plastic storage bins are versatile and can be used for a variety of arts and crafts purposes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Storage and Organisation
Plastic bins are perfect for storing and organising your art and craft supplies. Sort your materials by type, colour, or project, and label each bin for easy access. Smaller bins can be used for items like paintbrushes, pencils, and glue sticks, while larger bins can accommodate bulkier items like yarn, fabric, or scrapbooking paper. You can also use plastic bins to store your completed crafts, protecting them from dust and moisture.
Portable Craft Station
Create a portable craft station by organising your supplies in plastic bins. This way, you can easily move your projects around the house or take them with you on the go. For example, you can keep a plastic bin in the car with a small sketchbook, pencils, and other art supplies for creative inspiration on the move.
Crafting with Kids
Plastic bins are great for organising kids' craft supplies. Set up a dedicated craft area with plastic bins within their reach, making it easy for them to find what they need and fostering independence. The bins can also help contain the mess and make cleanup time a breeze.
Creative Decor
With a bit of creativity, you can transform plain plastic bins into decorative pieces. Cover them with decorative tissue paper, paint them, or wrap them in burlap fabric to match your home's style. You can use these decorated bins to store craft supplies or display them as part of your decor.
Planters and Gardens
Large plastic bins can be turned into planters for your garden. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage, fill them with soil, and plant your favourite flowers or herbs. Smaller bins can be used to organise your gardening supplies, such as seeds, pots, and hand tools.
Remember, plastic storage bins can be challenging to recycle, so before discarding them, consider their potential for arts, crafts, and creative reuse.
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Turn plastic bins into planters
Plastic storage bins are hard to recycle due to their size, and kerbside recycling services are often not equipped to take these large items. However, they can be reused in many ways, including as planters for your garden.
To turn a plastic bin into a planter, you will need to drill drainage holes in the bottom of the bin. Cover the holes with a piece of newspaper, window screen, an old cloth, or paper towels. This will allow excess water to drain out while keeping the soil in the bin. If you plan to use the planter outdoors, you can place it on a base with wheels to improve drainage and make it easier to move.
For outdoor planters, you can add a decorative touch by camouflaging the bin with side panels made from a reed fence or painting it to match your decor. You can also dress up a plastic bin to match your indoor decor by covering it with burlap fabric or wrapping paper.
You can use plastic bins as planters for permanent plants, such as perennials and shrubs, but be sure to choose extra-hardy varieties as container gardens freeze deeply in the winter. You can also use washed plastic food storage containers to grow small indoor plants.
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Donate plastic bins to schools or charities
Plastic storage bins are hard to recycle. Curbside recycling services are not set up to take these boxes as they are often too large and recycling programmes are more interested in collecting items like plastic water bottles, milk cartons, and shampoo bottles.
If your plastic storage bins are in good shape and you no longer need them, consider donating them to schools or charities. Local schools, nurseries, day centres, and care homes may be able to use the extra storage. Thrift stores can also sell them or use them for their own storage needs. Charities, child care centres, and senior centres may also be able to use plastic storage containers of all sizes.
Before donating, it is worth calling ahead to check that the school or charity can use the plastic bins. It is also possible to list them on a website such as Freecycle or an online material exchange in your area.
Reusing plastic storage bins is a great way to extend their life and ensure they don't end up in a landfill.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for repurposing plastic bins that you no longer need. You can use them to store items such as board games, art supplies, sewing materials, screws, buttons, craft supplies, medicines, electronic components, and more. You can also use them as planters, a toy box, or a litter box for your cat. If you don't want to repurpose them, you can donate them to local community centers, schools, or non-profits.
Plastic bins can be hard to recycle due to their size and the type of plastic used. They often cannot be placed in your curbside recycling bin. Check for the universal recycling symbol—three arrows in the shape of a triangle with a number inside. If you see a 1, 2, or 5, your bin is likely recyclable. You can also check with your local recycling service or use online directories like Earth911 or Recycle Nation to find recycling centers that accept specific types of plastic.
While plastic bins are great for storing many items, there are some things you should avoid keeping in them. Antique linens, clothing made of leather and fur, comforters, wool blankets, and seeds should not be stored in plastic bins. These items need to breathe and are better suited for fabric boxes or cloth bags.
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