Open steel trash bin side view
Home - Garden
Unexpected Ways To Repurpose
Old Trash
Cans Around Your Home
By SARAH COGGAN
Compost Bin
Turn a trash can with a lid into a compost bin by drilling extra holes in the lid to let more air in. Then, just add soil, food scraps, leaves, and other organic matter.
Rain Barrel
Convert an outdoor plastic garbage can into a rain barrel by making a hole in the lid and covering it with a screen to let the rain in but not debris and bugs.
Side Table
Turn a wire trash can into a decorative table by hot-gluing a solid surface like a tray to the top or bottom of the trash can, then spray painting it to suit your decor.
Container Garden
Transform a garbage can into a container garden to grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables simply by drilling holes in the bottom of the can to drain off excess water.
Cat Shelter
Flip a medium or large plastic rectangular garbage can on its side, insulate it with moisture-absorbing bedding, then raise it on cinder blocks to keep out snow or rain.