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8 Creative Ideas to Repurpose Plastic Containers

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated July 18, 2024

Recycling plastic products at home is a simple step towards sustainability. There are various creative ways to do this. Keep reading to learn how to repurpose plastic containers at your home.

Different Ways to Reuse Plastic Containers

Keep your home clean by collecting and reusing old plastic containers. You can either recycle plastic containers or reuse them for various purposes. If you are a DIY enthusiast, these unique ideas will help you repurpose plastic containers, adding a distinctive yet functional touch to your space.

Planters for Your Favorite Plants

Repurpose small plastic containers into herb gardens for your kitchen. Use bigger containers to make flower pots for inside and outside spaces. You can also reuse your plastic containers to make a vertical garden. Cut the top half of plastic bottles and screw the bottom half to a wooden panel on a wall.

Tip

To ensure proper drainage, drill holes in the bottoms of the containers. Also, use a mix of potting soil and compost for healthy growth.

Make a Mini Library to Hold Your Books

A haven for readers, a plastic gallon converted into a book holder is as cute as it sounds. Simply cut off the handles, glue 3–4 gallons together from the sides, and place your finished product on a shelf. This way of reusing plastic containers will allow you easy access to your books.

A Container for Cords and Cables

Reuse plastic containers to organize your cables and chargers. Putting these items in marked containers helps you find the right cable quickly.

Turn it into a Bird Feeder

You can use an extra plastic container as a bird feeder. Make holes on opposite sides and tie a string. Hang it up outside and fill it with bird food or water. This is a good idea if you’re interested in birdwatching.

Repurpose the Milk Jug into a Mini Cooler

Simply empty and clean your milk jug. Then, fill it with water halfway through and let it freeze. Once it is ready, you can use it as a cooler to transport your food and drinks in it. A frozen milk jug lasts much longer than loose ice, is more convenient to handle, and is more affordable.

Water Your Plants While Away

When you have a trip planned and have no one to water your plants, create a self-watering system to help you out. To water a flower bed, use a 2-liter soda bottle (or a smaller bottle for a single plant). Make a small hole in the cap, fill the bottle with water, and screw the cap back on. Dig the bottle upside down about 2 inches into the ground. This will water your plants for 2–3 days.

Make Compost in a Bottle

Recycle plastic containers like old soda bottles to create organic compost. This process can result in valuable fertilizer that can help with soil fertility. Do this by gathering large plastic drink bottles and sticky tape. Cut the top of the bottle and start adding compost layers. These can include soil, fruit and vegetable waste, and small pieces of used newspaper. Now you just need to add water, seal the bottle, and wait for compost to form.