Ethan Clarke
Plastic containers are convenient, but they can also be a source of clutter and waste if not properly disposed of or recycled. However, there are numerous ways to repurpose small plastic containers, ranging from upcycling them into storage containers or gift boxes to utilising them for household organisation or as planters for plants or herbs. With a little creativity, these containers can be transformed into something useful and aesthetically pleasing, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Small plastic containers can be used to store small items like elastic bands, twist ties, coins, takeout packets, wine charms, candles, batteries, etc. |
| Organization | Small plastic containers can be used to organize drawers and refrigerators. |
| Arts and Crafts | Small plastic containers can be used for arts and crafts projects, such as creating planters or storage boxes. |
| DIY Cleaning Products | Small plastic containers can be used to store DIY cleaning products. |
| Donation | Small plastic containers can be donated to local shelters or soup kitchens for their daily leftovers. |
| Eco-Friendly Solutions | Small plastic containers can be used as eco-friendly solutions to stale snacks by cutting off the uppermost part of the bottle and pulling the top of the bag of food through the spout. |
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What You'll Learn
Use them for storage
Small plastic containers can be used for storage in a variety of ways. They can be used as makeshift buckets and bins, filled with warm soapy water and used for cleaning. The lids can be kept to store small toys, kitchen gadgets, and other items. Old cassette cases can be used to store gift cards, business cards, and customer loyalty cards. Small plastic containers are also useful for storing paint when doing small touch-ups around the house. They can be easily carried around the room and covered with plastic wrap to keep the paint fresh.
Small plastic containers are ideal for storing food, such as leftovers or snacks, and can be used as a plastic grocery bag dispenser. They can also be used to store and organize small items such as thumbtacks, paper clips, rubber bands, and refill staples in drawers or desks. Pill bottles can be used to store shampoo, conditioner, and lotion when travelling, as well as keeping small items organized in drawers.
Yogurt containers can be used to keep the fridge organized by storing small items like garlic cloves. Strawberry containers or similar types can be used to collect small items such as Legos, small toys, craft supplies, or brushes. Disinfecting wipe containers can be used to store plastic grocery bags under the kitchen sink, in the cleaning supply area, in bathrooms, or even in the car.
Plastic food tubs can be upcycled into pretty storage containers with papercraft. This involves gluing ripped-up pages from magazines, cut-out flowers, or small scraps of pretty scrapbook and card-making papers to the outside of the tub. This is a fun and creative way to reuse plastic containers and give them a new purpose.
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Make them into planters
If you have small plastic containers, you can easily repurpose them as planters. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Drilling Drainage Holes
If you're handy with tools, you can use a drill to create drainage holes in the bottom of your containers. To prevent the plastic from snapping or breaking, heat up the drill bit before pushing it through the plastic. This method is ideal for creating hanging planters or pots for semi-hydro setups.
Sanding and Painting
For a more decorative planter, you can lightly sand the plastic surface of your containers and then paint them with flexible acrylic paint or spray paint. This method allows you to get creative and choose your favourite colours or designs. Just be sure to clean the containers and let them dry before painting.
Creative Upcycling
If you're feeling creative, you can upcycle plastic bottles into unique planters. Cut off the bottom third of a 2-litre bottle, decorate it with paint or stickers, and fill it with seeds and soil. You can even turn old ice cube trays into planters by designating each cube for a different type of plant.
Donating Containers
If you have a large number of plastic containers, consider donating them to a local soup kitchen or shelter. These organizations often welcome donations of plastic tubs for storing and distributing food.
Storage and Organisation
Before recycling your containers, you can also use them for storage and organisation. Small containers are perfect for keeping drawers organised and can hold items like elastic bands, coins, or small toys. Larger containers, such as yogurt pots, can be used to keep your fridge tidy by storing items like garlic cloves.
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Use them for paint
Small plastic containers can be used to store paint. This is especially useful if you are an artist who uses multiple colours in your work, or if you have children and need paint for craft activities. Small plastic containers are ideal for storing paint because they are often lightweight, unbreakable, and have screw-on lids to prevent leaks and messes. They are also easy to clean, so you can reuse them for different colours as needed.
You can purchase small plastic containers with lids from art supply stores such as Blick, which offers a wide selection of plastic paint storage options, including tubes, cups, jars, and bottles. These containers are designed to keep paint fresh and can be used for various activities, including fabric painting, ceramics, model-making, miniatures, and more.
If you are looking for a more sustainable option, you can upcycle small plastic containers that you already have at home, such as yoghurt pots or food containers, into paint storage. This is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to organise your paint supplies.
When using small plastic containers for paint, it is important to consider the type of paint you are using and choose a container that is compatible. For example, some containers are specifically designed for storing craft paint, slime, or fabric paint, while others are suitable for a range of media. Additionally, if you are using multiple colours, you may want to label the containers to keep your paint colours organised.
Small plastic containers are a versatile and convenient option for storing and transporting paint. Whether you purchase new containers designed for paint storage or upcycle containers you already have, you can easily create a functional and organised paint supply system.
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Donate to a shelter
Donating your small plastic containers to a shelter is a great way to give back to your community and ensure that your containers are reused. Here are some tips and guidelines to follow when donating:
First, ensure that the containers are clean and dry. Shelters often have strict sanitation standards, so it is important to wash and thoroughly dry your containers before donating them. Remove any food residue, crumbs, or soap residue, and ensure that there are no strong odours lingering, as these can be off-putting to those receiving the donations.
Next, check that the containers have lids. While some shelters may accept containers without lids, having a matching lid makes the donation more useful, as it ensures the contents remain fresh and secure.
Before donating, consider the type of shelter and whether they would find small plastic containers useful. For example, soup kitchens or food banks may appreciate donations of plastic containers for storing and distributing meals. Animal shelters may also benefit from small plastic containers for storing food or treats. It is always best to contact the shelter beforehand to confirm that they can accept your donation.
Some shelters and organisations, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army, are known to accept a wide range of donations, including plastic containers. You can also look for local shelters in your area that may be in need of such items.
Lastly, when donating, ensure that the containers are appropriately packaged and transported to the shelter. It is also a good idea to inquire about any specific guidelines or requirements the shelter may have for donations.
By donating your small plastic containers, you are not only helping those in need but also contributing to a more sustainable future by extending the lifespan of these items.
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Use them for DIY cleaning products
Small plastic containers can be used to store DIY cleaning products. You can make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients such as vinegar, lemons, oxygen bleach, and baking soda. These products can be stored in small plastic containers and used to clean your home.
Small plastic containers are perfect for storing DIY cleaning products because they are easy to carry around and can be placed in cupboards or drawers. They can also be washed and reused multiple times, reducing waste and saving money. You can also use them to store small items like screws, buttons, batteries, and other knick-knacks, keeping your workspace tidy and organised.
Additionally, you can upcycle small plastic containers into storage boxes for travel items. For example, small pill bottles can be used to store shampoo, conditioner, and lotion when travelling. They are typically the right size to be approved by airline security. You can also use them to organise drawers and store small items such as hair ties, pins, elastic bands, coins, and other tiny objects.
Another creative way to repurpose small plastic containers is to make a DIY planter. Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle, decorate it with paint and stickers, then fill it with seeds and soil. This makes for a fun and eco-friendly project. Similarly, you can use small plastic containers to store food items such as snacks, keeping them fresh and tidy in your cupboards.
Lastly, you can use small plastic containers to store gift cards and loyalty cards, ensuring they are easily accessible and organised. By repurposing these containers, you can reduce waste, stay organised, and find new uses for items that would otherwise be discarded.
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Frequently asked questions
Small plastic containers can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing small items like hair ties, pins, coins, batteries, and craft supplies. They can also be used as planters for germinating seeds or propagating baby plants, or even as makeshift buckets while cleaning.
Small plastic containers can be used to organise drawers and keep small items contained and easily accessible. They can also be glued with pretty scrapbook paper or decorated with magazine cut-outs to create aesthetically pleasing storage boxes.
Small plastic containers can be used to store leftovers, send food home with guests, or keep snacks fresh in the cupboard. They can also be used to store and dispense plastic grocery bags, or as a planter for herbs.
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