Plastic Containers: 10 Ideas for Recycling Them

Plastic containers, which we use so frequently, especially for various types of food, become a waste that's difficult to dispose of and potentially highly polluting. But they can also be recycled creatively and reused as storage boxes, vases, peg baskets, and much more.

Index of topics

Storage box

The first way to reuse plastic containers is to transform them into storage boxes. Inside, we can put whatever we want: screws and nails; buttons or rubber bands; sewing supplies; or items we use for household hobbies, like paints and crayons.

Pincushion

Photo Credit | Facebook Laura's Patchwork

Yogurt pots can be used to make truly delightful and useful household items, such as cookie jars, pincushions, and wonderful covered plant baskets with handles. Decorating them requires a bit of imagination and skill.

Chocolate basket

Photo Credit | Facebook Circolo NOI Cadidavid

You can also make lovely chocolate baskets with yogurt pots, both large and small. They're perfect for Easter gifts or as a birthday party souvenir. Wash them well, dry them, and decorate them with cardboard or fabric decorations to make them extra colorful.

Clothespin holder

Photo Credit | Facebook Tarabini Giovannini Daniela

By cutting the base of a plastic detergent or dishwasher tablet container, you can make a perfect clothespin holder. Give it two handles, which you can cover with rope if desired, and keep it near your drying rack. It'll be a great resource to draw on.

Plant pot

Photo Credit | Facebook Kleopy's creations

Using plastic food containers (like the ones used for fruit and vegetables at the supermarket), you can make vases ready to decorate your home. Cover the outside with clothespins or wooden sticks, then thread ribbons or crocheted strips around them. Don't forget to poke a hole in the bottom, and voilà, they're ready to be displayed.

Birdhouse

Photo Credit | Facebook I'm recycling this, do you like the idea?

Have you ever thought you could make a cute little birdhouse like this out of a detergent bottle? With a few scraps and a little patience, you can create a beautiful and inviting creation.

Handbags

You can make really nice baskets or bags with any kind of plastic container. Simply cut off the top, poke holes all around with a belt punch, and thread the string through the holes using the chain technique: the result is amazing.

coaster

A plastic container transforms into a beautiful display planter when decorated with rope or perhaps covered with fabric scraps you have lying around. You can use them to organize aromatic plants on your balcony or terrace while also adding a pop of color.

Beach bucket

Photo Credit | Facebook Nicola Viceconti

Creative recycling of plastic containers also includes beach buckets , made by recycling paint containers and covering them with stickers or other designs you already have. There are many ideas, and easy ways to implement them.

Roll holder

Photo Credit | Facebook Ratt Curaggio – Craftsmanship

A plastic vegetable container can be transformed, with minimal effort, into a paper towel holder. Line the sides with fabric or paper, cut small slits the same width as the ribbons, and thread them through so they're always ready for use.

How to reuse unwanted plastic containers