Check out these upcycle ideas to reuse empty containers around your house! Get inspired to put your empty plastic containers to good use.
Ever wonder what to do with random plastic containers once they’re empty? How about clever ways to reuse them?! You’d be amazed at how virtually unrecognizable these containers can look after a little fixing up.
How do you remove labels from containers or plastic bottles?
First, using a sharp tool, try to remove as much of the sticker as you can. Next, use a product like “Goo Gone” to soak the sticker. It’s a gel product, so you should be able to let it sit on the sticker for 5-10 minutes. Then use a scraping tool to remove the sticker residue.
How do you remove writing from a plastic container?
Try using acetone and a cotton ball to remove writing from a container.
Reusing Empty Containers
From reusing Cascade containers to ideas for empty plastic coffee containers, I’ve rounded-up a genius list of ways to transform and upcycle plastic containers.
A smart idea for empty plastic coffee containers! You could use these container for virtually anything. Use a little Mod Podge or washi tape to totally transform and reuse an empty Cascade container. Love this new use for orange juice containers! Plus you can use acetone to remove the old labels and add cute chalkboard ones! How about this for a clever use of empty cleaning wipe containers? You have to see this DIY! Everyone has a few old prescription bottles laying around! Add a little bit of glue & use them to tote important items to the beach or pool. Genius. We toss these out EVERY WEEK. Now I'm totally inspired to reuse those plastic strawberry containers for craft supplies! LOVE this idea of turning a baby wipes container into a travel First Aid kit. This would be perfect for the car! Cat fans rejoice! A fabulous way to reuse those dozens of kitty litter bucket you cycle through every year. They make awesome planters. (Would also be super useful as storage in the garage or shed) Easy, portable storage for garage or utility room. YES! 10 Inventive Ways to Reuse those empty laundry pods containers. Upcycle Ideas
Reuse Prescription Bottles as Waterproof Storage Containers
Emily says
My husband gets so mad because I am always rescuing containers from the recycling bin! Great roundup
Alison L says
Ummm he should be thanking you??!:) Thanks for visiting, Emily, hopefully you got some good ideas!
Melanie von Bose says
I have been saving the huge containers from our Costco peanut butter pretzels (we were a bit addicted for awhile there, but it’s under control now), and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with them. Now I do!!! Thanks so much!
Alison L says
I’m constantly saving containers, like hmm, what should I do with you?? It’s fun to make something out of “nothing”.
Amila Wickramarachchi says
these are some great ideas…I like that cute container for plastic bags…
Erlene A says
Thanks for gathering all these great recycling ideas. Pinned. Visiting from Whimsy Wed. Linkup
Amberly Steele says
I have containers all over the place! I am all about reusing and reducing! Check me out sometime: http://www.re-creations.biz. Thanks for the ideas!
Becca @ The Earthlings Handbook says
You didn’t mention glass jars! They’re my favorite for storing leftovers, bulk foods, bathroom things like cotton swabs, and pencils. I rarely break one; they’re really pretty sturdy.
You have a lot of great ideas here! I love those big plastic coffee canisters, but I don’t buy that kind of coffee myself (I buy the organic fair-trade kind) so I peek into recycling bins at work and church to snag those canisters when they come along. They’re good for food (as long as you don’t get mice! Mice can chew through them!) and also for small toys like Lego sets.
[email protected] says
Alison,
I love this round up! We have so many empty large yogurt containers (We eat a lot of yogurt around our house!), and I love the tip about getting the writing off with acetone.
Alison L says
I know! Where has that tip been all my life??
Sarah Alvord says
Great roundup of ideas!! Makes me realize my pantry could use a little help and these are some great, cheap ways to get organized. Thanks for sharing!
Teresa says
Any ideas on how to get certain scents out of containers …especially coffee ….LOVE these ideas!
Alison L says
This sounds a bit too good to be true, but if you put a wad of newspaper or a clean coffee filter into the container & seal it up for a day or so, the paper will absorb the scent! Another way is to put the container outside (make sure it’s sunny weather, if you live in the midwest like me) and the sun will warm the container and remove the odor. Good luck and thanks for stopping by!