Alexei Volkov
Plastic flower pots are a common household item that often end up in landfills, contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste. While recycling is the responsible way to dispose of them, not all municipalities accept this type of plastic for recycling. As a result, people are encouraged to get creative and find alternative ways to reuse and upcycle these pots. This can include using them for seed starting, giving them away for free online or to local community colleges, or repurposing them for various functions in the garden or as decorative items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling | Plastic flower pots can be recycled at local centres that accept type 2, 5, or 6 plastics. Some local authorities collect pots in their kerbside collections, but black plastic pots are often not accepted. |
| Reusing at home | Plastic flower pots can be reused at home for seed starting, giving away divided plants, or as scoops for potting soil. |
| Creative reuse | Plastic flower pots can be creatively reused as bird feeders, bee hotels, mini greenhouses, or vertical gardens. They can also be upcycled into high-end decor. |
| Donating | Plastic flower pots can be donated to community colleges, local Master Gardener groups, or gardening organisations. |
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What You'll Learn
Recycling plastic flower pots
Plastic flower pots can be recycled, but it depends on the type of plastic and the capabilities of your local recycling center. Some local authorities collect pots, tubs, and trays in their kerbside collections, but many do not accept black plastic as it is not recognized by the optical scanning machines used at recycling facilities. Before recycling, it is best to check with your local authority or disposal company to see if they can process your plastic flower pots.
If your local recyclers cannot accept your plastic flower pots, there are other options for responsible disposal. Some large retailers, such as Home Depot and Lowe's, accept plastic flower pots for recycling. Additionally, local nurseries, garden centers, and gardening clubs may be able to take them off your hands. You can also try posting them for free online or on Craigslist. Schools and community colleges with gardening programs may also be interested in receiving your old flower pots.
If you are unable to recycle your plastic flower pots, there are many ways to reuse them. You can use them for seed starting, giving away divided plants, or as scoops for potting soil. Smaller plastic flower pots can be used as shakers for fertilizer, animal repellent, or other granular materials. In the garden, they can be used as a base to lift planters, as filler in larger pots, or as a protective cover for plants when dumping mulch. You can also drill holes in the containers, string rope through them, and stack them to create a vertical garden.
For a creative reuse of plastic flower pots, you can upcycle them into decorative items. Cut some holes in the side of a pot, fill it with straw, leaf litter, and other dry organic items to create a bee hotel. Alternatively, drill holes in the bottom of a container, glue a plate to catch the seeds, and use it as a bird feeder. You can also glue burlap, fabric, or other materials to the sides of the pots and use them as inserts inside containers that lack drainage holes.
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Reusing plastic flower pots for seed-starting
Plastic flower pots can be reused for seed-starting. Here are some ways to do this:
First, ensure the pots are clean and free from any diseases that might infect new plants. You can do this by washing them with soap and water, or a diluted bleach solution.
Next, you can use the plastic pots as-is for seed-starting. Fill the pots with a lightweight potting soil or compost and plant your seeds. You can also use plastic pots to transplant seedlings that have outgrown their current pots but are not yet ready to be planted out.
If you have larger plastic pots, you can overturn them and place a smaller pot on top. This will reduce the amount of soil needed and the overall weight of the pot. You can fill the space around the sides with bunched-up newspaper to help hold moisture, which will eventually decompose to make room for expanding roots.
You can also cut the top off a plastic pot and use it as a small planter. Place the top section in your garden and plant seeds or seedlings inside. Tomatoes, perennials, and biennials are well-suited to this method.
Finally, plastic pots can be used as a base to lift a planter above neighboring plants. Use a rigid, black, five-gallon plastic container and place it upside down underneath a larger planter. This will make it easier to water your plants without bending down, and the black color will blend in with the surrounding foliage.
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Donating plastic flower pots to community colleges or gardening organisations
If you have accumulated a large number of plastic flower pots and would like to donate them to community colleges or gardening organisations, there are a few options to consider.
Firstly, you can reach out to your local community college's ornamental horticulture department. They may be able to use the pots for educational or research purposes. Alternatively, you can offer the pots to gardening clubs or organisations in your area. These groups often hold plant sales or other events where they may require extra pots.
In addition to donating the pots, you can also consider giving away any plants you may have divided or propagated. Gardening organisations, such as The Native Plant Salvage Project, accept donations of plants for restoration projects, rain gardens, and home gardens. They often require pots to go along with these plants, so your contribution would be greatly appreciated.
If you are unable to find a specific organisation to donate to, you can also try listing your pots on websites such as Craigslist or your local community websites. There are often individuals or groups looking for second-hand pots to use for their own gardening projects.
Lastly, if you are unable to find a suitable organisation or individual to donate your pots to, you can consider recycling them. Some local garden centres, such as Lowe's, have excellent recycling programs that accept plastic plant pots, trays, and tags, regardless of their condition. Alternatively, you can check with your town's recycling program to see if they accept this type of plastic for recycling.
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Using plastic flower pots as a base to lift planters
Plastic flower pots can be used as a base to lift planters. This can be done by using an overturned five-gallon plastic container as a base to lift the planter above neighbouring plants. The black colour of the plastic pot will help it blend in with the surrounding foliage. It is recommended to use more rigid black pots for this purpose, as they are less likely to collapse under the weight of the planter and soil. Using lightweight potting soil can also help to reduce the overall weight.
Another method is to place an upside-down plastic pot inside a larger pot, which will reduce the amount of soil needed and make the planter less heavy. This technique can also be used to create a permanent planting hole for seasonal plants. Dig a hole and insert a black plastic pot that is larger than the containers you plan to swap out. Then, simply sink and lift the seasonal plants as needed.
Additionally, plastic pots can be used to raise potted plants within a larger planter. By placing an upside-down plastic pot, either ceramic or plastic, inside the larger planter, you can elevate the potted plant and make it more visible. This method can also add durability to tall, lightweight planters.
Overall, using plastic flower pots as a base to lift planters is a creative way to repurpose old containers and enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your garden.
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Upcycling plastic flower pots into high-end decor
Plastic flower pots can be upcycled into high-end decor in several ways. Here are some ideas to transform them into stylish and functional pieces:
Vertical Garden
Drill holes in several plastic flower pots and string them together with rope. You can stack these pots vertically to create a unique and space-saving garden feature. This idea adds a touch of greenery to your home or garden while showcasing your upcycled pots.
Bee Hotel
Cut some holes in the sides of a plastic flower pot and fill it with straw, leaf litter, and other dry organic materials. Place it in a bee-friendly area, and you've created a cosy habitat for these important pollinators. Not only will you be upcycling, but you'll also be contributing to the well-being of the environment.
Bird Feeder
Drill holes near the bottom of a plastic flower pot and attach a plant saucer or plate with glue. Fill the saucer with birdseed, and you've crafted a charming bird feeder. Hang it in a spot where you can observe the birds and enjoy their company as they feed.
Indoor Decor
Transform your plastic flower pots into elegant indoor decor by gluing decorative elements to the exterior. Burlap, fabric, or other materials of your choice can be adhered to the sides, and the rims can be embellished with accents that suit your style. These embellished pots can be used as vases or simply as stand-alone decorative pieces.
Mulch Scoop
The thin, rigid edges of plastic flower pots make them ideal for scooping mulch or soil when planting. Keep a few of these pots handy during your gardening sessions for convenient and mess-free scooping.
By upcycling plastic flower pots, you're not only reducing waste but also creating unique and functional decor that adds a personal touch to your space.
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Frequently asked questions
Many local authorities collect non-black plastic pots for recycling, so check with your local authority or disposal company. Some garden centres also offer plant pot take-back schemes, and larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe's will accept plastic pots and trays.
Plastic flower pots can be reused in a variety of ways. They can be used as scoops for soil or mulch, as mini greenhouses for young plants, or as filler in larger pots. They can also be upcycled into decorative items, such as vertical gardens, bee hotels, or bird feeders.
Before reusing plastic flower pots, it is important to clean them thoroughly with hot, soapy water and a bit of bleach to kill any pathogens. This will help ensure that any plants you put in the reused pots stay healthy.
