Don't Throw Out Plastic Containers: 35 Genius Ways To Reuse Them In Your Home And Garden

Over half the items we use are made from plastic, with humans producing millions of tons of plastic products and trash every year. This makes it almost impossible to not purchase something made from these man-made materials. However, many of us simply toss out our used plastic containers, especially things like leftover food containers, produce plastic, and detergent containers. But did you know that there are a ton of ways you can be reusing these products instead? 

While most plastic does eventually degrade, it is not biodegradable — meaning it does not naturally break down. Instead, it shatters into smaller and smaller pieces, emitting harsh, dangerous chemicals into both water and soil. This is why recycling can be a great way to ensure that your plastic items are properly being disposed of. However, not all plastics can be easily recycled, like the most common — polypropylene. As one of the main packaging materials, it is mainly tossed into a landfill if taken to a recycling plant. 

This is why it can be so important to protect the environment by reusing your plastic containers and bottles at home instead. Plus, in many cases, these projects can help you save money while making your life more convenient. When using plastic leftovers, make sure to thoroughly peel off labels and clean the containers — especially if they hold food, cleaning supplies, or other chemicals in them.

One particularly useful way to repurpose used and empty polypropylene jugs and bottles is to create a bird feeder for your garden. You can even turn an old ketchup container into a birdfeeder. Just about any container can be made into one; all it takes is your imagination. Once you finish, simply fill the container with your backyard birds' favorite snacks. 

Turn your empty plastic buckets into baskets to help decorate your home for Easter, Halloween, or any other holiday. For this project, take larger plastic containers or tubs — like laundry detergent pod buckets — and simply remove the lid. Decorate and attach a handle with twine or ribbon, and set it out as a cute décor piece, or even let the kids use it to collect goodies.

Why buy a watering can when you can easily make one with your empty laundry detergent container. All you need to do is drill holes into the cap, and one at the top section above the handle. Then, fill it with water and pour. However, it's important to remember to never leave water in this container because that's the number one rule for watering cans, no matter what kind you have – even a repurposed plastic one. 

Small, flimsy rubber bands can easily get lost in a bathroom drawer or vanity. Keep yours all in one place by using an old plastic container or pill bottle. This is a convenient way to never misplace those little ties again, and ensure they don't accidently down the drain. A lidded container also makes this idea portable, letting you seamlessly carry hair ties around no matter where you do your, or anyone else's, hair.

Wondering what to do with cool boxes you can't let go, especially those decorated and durable, plastic boxes? Then look no further than repurposing them as gift packaging. This is an easy way to use up those plastic containers while also saving money on gift boxes. All you need to do is place your gift in the plastic container and wrap as usual.

If you're a parent, you'll understand how overwhelming it can get having multiple smaller, sticky, plastic bubble bottles that you've collected throughout the years from birthday parties and holiday goodies. So, condense it all by reusing a plastic liquid laundry detergent container as a bubble station. There are even some special bubble making solutions you can try for non-stop summer fun. Keep the plastic measuring cup as the bowl to dip your bubble wand in. Don't forget to reuse those smaller, now empty bubble bottles for a different repurposing project.

Believe it or not, your plastic trash may be exactly what you need to always know how to differentiate the plants in your garden. There is a simple hack that turns plastic containers into functional plant labels and all you have to do is cut your container into crayon-shaped strips. Label and then stick next to your plants. Plus, the plastic will withstand all weather conditions as well as soil and dirt abrasion, making it the perfect plant label material.

A clever way to reuse a plastic container with a lid is to create a hidden DIY room fragrance dispenser. Follow the directions of the recipe and scent you like best, place it in the container, and then strategically place the mixture somewhere in your home. If you want to disguise the container, you also can decorate the outside plastic to match your home's style and colors.

Sometimes we don't have a funnel on hand, especially when it comes to specific home maintenance tasks, recipes, or even craft projects. Luckily you can be ready at all times with an impromptu funnel made from the screw top of a plastic bottle. Keep some of the top of a bottle as well to help pour liquids.

If you collect plastic shopping bags, you know that it can be bulky and hard to neatly store away your bags. Create a tidy space by storing your bags in open-top plastic containers. There are many different kinds of containers you can use, including this clever way to use an old laundry detergent bottle for your plastic bag storage. Even empty cleaning wipes bottles can do the trick. 

Always have a squirt bottle on hand with an old plastic bottle. You can either use an empty condiment bottle or a soda bottle. Simply turn your plastic bottle into a squirt bottle by creating a hole in the cap. This is a great way to hold different homemade salad dressings, oils, or even chocolates — as well as an ingenious way to hold paint for crafting projects.

Make your steel wool easier to hold by creating a handle out of a plastic container. There are a couple of ways to do this project. You can cut off the handle on a plastic laundry detergent bottle, or even use the top section of a water or soda bottle. Then set in your steel wool scrubber and tie it to the large opening of your handle to help keep it in place, and to easily store.

Why spend money on a large plastic scoop when you can take a large, plastic jug and use it instead. Grab your empty container and cut it in half, keeping the handle attached, and the lid securely on. Then toss it in the animal feed bucket, scoop, and watch how quickly you disperse feed to your livestock and farm animals. 

No need to toss out your plastic containers when you can turn them into holiday decorations. Just about anything goes because you can take your synthetic containers, bottles, and tubs and turn them into stylish décor pieces, like ornaments. For those that already use old plastic food jars to store things around the house, you can also create the cutest decorative jar covers to spruce up your home for the holidays. 

Create a floral arrangement that will never die with old plastic containers and bottles. There are many different ways to achieve this look, but the most common way is to cut up the bottom of different sizes and colors of plastic bottles and attach them together. However, you can also cut smaller pieces to create something out of this world. Once finished, set in a vase or place it outside as a garden décor piece.

Take your organization game to the next level, without spending money, by using old plastic bottles to create a multi-holder organizer. Capable of holding cooking utensils, makeup items, crafting supplies, desk items, and so much more, this DIY can go in just about any room of your house. All you need to do is take one large halved plastic bottle and attach smaller halved bottles all around it. Decorate the exterior, and then use.

Plastic containers and bottles with lids can find new life when transformed into more stylish storage options. You can take your peanut butter jar and attach twine around the exterior, along with a cute button on top, to create a rustic lidded jar. Similarly, you can take your clear plastic Rubbermaid containers and hand paint designs. The possibilities are endless when decorating them.

If you're looking for ways to declutter and organize your jewelry, then consider using plastic boxes for drawer organizers. All you have to do is take your old containers and remove the lids. Place the plastic bowls in a bathroom or vanity drawer and store away your accessories. You can even use a lidded plastic chocolate container to add bling and accessories that match your interior style.

It's a smart idea to have all your batteries in one place, especially in a dry area. You can achieve this easily by using an old plastic container. You can take a large plastic box and create dividers to sort your different battery types, or grab smaller plastic containers to store similar battery types — especially if you like to buy in bulk.

Protect the stain and wood of your outdoor tables by using plastic bottles as leg covers. Grab four bottles and cut them in half. Place each leg into the plastic, and use a heat gun (or even a hair blow-dryer) to shrink the material until it is almost flush against the wood. This makes perfect custom leg covers for your wood pieces so they don't get damaged by water, mud, or other outdoor elements.

Declutter your junk drawers by using your old plastic containers as organizers and dividers. This works great for containers of all sizes, and even the ones missing lids. Set the plastic into the drawers as trays and then organize your items. This can be helpful in just about any drawer of your home, making it is a sustainable and affordable organizational tool.

A creative way to reuse plastic jugs and containers is to turn them into lamps. Take a circular, transparent container, like a yogurt tub, and attach ribbon, twine, or even fabric to create a textured shade. Perfect for small spaces like a reading nook, closet, or pantry, simply stick a battery-operated light inside and watch your creation brighten any space.

The easiest way to use a repurposed plastic container is to hold paint. You can also keep your paint and supplies organized with a lidded set. A plastic container is an ideal way to contain the potential messes that paint bottles and brushes can make. Plus, the plastic is a convenient way to test and blend colors. Have some lids missing bottom compartments? Instead of tossing them out, add to your paint kit as an extra paint testing area, blending tool, or palette. 

Keep your dog occupied while you're away from home by using an old plastic container to create a dog food puzzle toy. It can keep them busy for hours, giving you peace of mind that they won't get bored, or get into trouble. This is relatively easy to accomplish. Just grab a container with a lid and drill holes large enough to let kibble slowly trickle out. Before you leave, place a small amount of food inside, seal, and give it to your pup.

Those large plastic storage boxes that you aren't using anymore can be repurposed into mini greenhouses for your plants. This is a clever way to regulate conditions for specific plants that may not be able to withstand the weather where you live. It's important to choose plants that will fit in the container and won't need a larger space. Also, remember to follow the care instructions when trying to make ideal conditions for the plants you choose.

A helpful tip for growing a thriving herb garden is to grow them in containers, so why not use your plastic containers for this. You can do this a couple of ways. Take bottles and containers and place them next to each other or use larger containers to have multiple herbs in one. Then simply set outside, or use indoors for a more contained environment.

Save money by skipping those pricey, confusing baby proofing door handle products. Instead, use an old Rubbermaid plastic container. For this hack, grab the lid and cut an 'x' in the middle, making it big enough to fit your handle. Then, push your door knob through. Snap the container onto the lid, creating a barrier small hands can't open.

A fun crafting project that can use your old plastic containers is to create cute keychains. There are multiple ways to utilize plastic in this project, whether you use a shrink method or simply decorate cut shapes it with beads, jewels, or fabric. You can then use these plastic keychains to organize your keys or even to give as gifts.

An easy yet useful way to repurpose your plastic containers and bottles is to transform them into vases. You can accomplish this task a variety of ways, including an elegant flower vase you can make from plastic bottles and hot glue. You can even attach long wooden dowels to create a natural looking vase in your home. Use whatever supplies you have on hand to make a piece that fits your aesthetic while re-using supplies.

Organize your tools and accessories by using old plastic containers to hold your extra drill bits and nails. Larger tubs, containers, and jars are ideal for reusing as storage for home essentials. Plastic tubs are also perfect for keeping extension cords neat and knot-free in your garage or shed. Once in containers, you can easily stack away. 

Since your used plastic containers can be used for anything your imagination might conjure, use them to create a whimsical fairy garden that is downright magical, and affordable. For this project you'll want to use a plastic item that has height, like a detergent container or large butter tub. Then, get to cutting, gluing, painting, and decorating — eventually creating a fun addition for your fairy garden.

Organize any part of your home with repurposed plastic containers. Take your jar or bottle and remove the lid, or cut the bottle into whatever size fits your space, and decorate. Then place things inside to keep your home tidy and functional like clipped on plastic holders to store condiment packets, or as a desk accessory every home office needs — a pen and marker holder.

A must have for book lovers, take your plastic containers and turn them into bookmarks. Find a flat, smooth section of your container and cut it into a rectangle. Decorate it with dried flowers, stickers, and other accents and then punch a hole at the top for some ribbon, or maybe even a tassel, and use the next time you sit down with your book.

Don't toss out those fruit or veggie plastic containers when you can reuse them to keep your ribbons neat. The holes on these kinds of containers make it easy to cut, turning it into the perfect ribbon dispenser. Just take the ribbon and place it into the container. Grab the loose end of the spool and stick it through the ventilation holes. Pull the ribbon to the length you want and cut.

A cool way to utilize a large container with a lid and handle is to change it into a lantern. Decorate it before using mod podge to cover the surface with light tissue paper. After drying fully, place a battery-operated light inside. Then, easily tote it around you home — whether you are relaxing outdoors or need a quick way to illuminate your space when the power goes out.