50 Ways to Recycle Your Jars and Cans
If you do any amount of cooking, you have an abundance of jars and cans. Yes, you can recycle them but how about upcycling them within your own home by using some of these easy DIY projects.
It seems like a constant battle to recycle in our home. I probably go to a little extra work because I rinse and or wash the cans and jars so I don’t get stinky trash. Last year it occurred to me that I was buying containers for organizing and storage etc, when I could upcycle some of the items I already had. From crafts to organizing to food storage, take a look at the 50 Great Ways to Use Recycled Cans and Jars.
1.) Pencil Holder Cans
The Happy Nester took two tin cans, some burlap and decorative ribbons and created these oh-so-pretty pencil holders.
2.) Glam Coffee Can
Nothing is prettier than a bouquet of flowers straight from your garden. Petticoat Junktion glam’d up a recycled coffee can as the perfect vase.
3.) Upcycled Cookie Tins
You would never know these beautifies used for organizing started out as cookie tins. The Boondocks Blog used fabric to create one of a kind Tins.
4.) Nautical Buoys
There are two sides to recycling. There are practical projects used for storage and organizing, and then there are projects which are pretty that are used as part of your decor. An Extraordinary Day used recycled mason jars to create these fun Americana buoys.
5.) Recycled Glass Flower Vases
Everyone has at least two or three of these standard flower bases that florist’s use. Artsy Chicks Rules used some metallic spray paint to create gold dipped jars like she had spotted at Hobby Lobby.
6.) Mix ‘n Match Recycled Bottles
Who doesn’t want a project that takes less than 20 minutes to complete and the result is amazingly beautiful? Look at this Coastal Inspired Mantel by Shabbyfufu and read how she used upcycled bottles to create this look.
7.) Bathroom Organizing
If you’re like me, you’d much rather make something than buy it. Or, maybe you just can’t find exactly what you’re looking for. I love that Small Home Soul used basic mason jars to create these bathroom organizers. You could use any color you wanted to match your bathroom’s decor.
8.) Make Your Own Pendant Light
How beautiful is this for a patio? And who would ever think it all started with basic tin veggie cans? Hearth and Vine used her creative genius and made a stunning outdoor fixture. This is what recycling is all about.
9.) Instant Vase
Sometimes the easiest of projects are the best of projects. How easy is it to utilize the pretty design in a can and use it as is? That’s just what Midlife Healthy Living did with this pie filling can, and she coordinated her flowers with the colors of the design.
10.) Upcycling for Succulents
Here is another upcycled tin can project that is super easy but super cute. There is something about combining succulents with tin that creates the perfect look. Cottage in the Oaks did just that!
11.) Herb Planters
Speaking of planters, here is my version of using cans as mini garden containers. I painted three cans with chalk paint and planted them with herbs. They are super handy to have close by when cooking.
12.) Utensil Caddy
If you are looking for a cute and practical way to store your silverware for a picnic or party, look no further. Not Just Paper and Paint used four painted tin cans to create this adorable caddy. It’s so cute, why not use it everyday?
13.) Upcycled Pin Cushion Jar
Is it a pin cushion or is it a sewing kit? Well, actually – it’s both! I upcycled an unused mason jar, added some fabric and ribbon and created this cute Mason Jar Sewing Kit Pin Cushion.
14.) Twine + Can = So Darn Cute!
15.) Cutest Upcycle Ever!
Landeelu has taken a typical mason jar and turned it into one of the cutest tissue holders I have ever seen.
16.) Practical Recycling
Summer isn’t over. That means that those pesky bugs are still lingering. Use recycled cans, like Garden Therapy did, and create your own citronella candles.
17.) Rusty Tin Can Vase
I don’t know what it is about a Rusty Tin Can Flower Vase that makes my heart so happy. I share the so easy way to get this instant rusty look.
18.) Practical Food Storage
We all know those flimsy berry and fruit holders from the grocery store. I wash all of my fruits and vegetables when I get home. I love the idea that Mission to Save used to recycle jars to hold fruits and vegetables.
19.) I’ll Have a Glass Please…
During the Summer, we actually use our recycled jars for drinking glasses. I learned several broken glasses ago that you needed something that didn’t matter if one of the babies dropped and broke it. This sweet tea served in mason jars is a staple in our home.
20.) Recycled Tin Can Plant Hanger
This Hometalk Crafter used three large cans to create this cute Plant Hanger.
Here are a few more projects:
Repurposed Tuna Can Caterpillar Planter
Upcycled Frappacino Summer Momento Bottles
Recycled Sheet Music Decorated Jars
Recycled “Copper” Can Lanterns
Pretty Farmhouse Decoupage Recycled Cans
Outdoor Game Using Recycled Cans
Decorated and Painted Recycled Cans
Copper and Denim Craft Caddy with Recycled Cans
Scrapbook Decorated Recycled Cans
Farmhouse Style Kitchen Caddy with Jars
Recycled Glass Jars for Bathroom Organization
Faux Stained Glass Recycled Jars
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” Everyday Ideas for Your Home & Life! “
Anne Marie says
Love all these ideas!
View CommentBarb says
Thanks Anne Marie. It was fun to compile. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. Barb
View CommentMeegan says
Thank you for featuring my Copper Vases in your round up.
View CommentThere are so many beautiful and inspiring ideas!
Barb says
You are so welcome sweet friend, thanks for allowing me to share. xxoo Barb
View CommentJanet Trieschman says
thank you for listing my recycled can flowers
View CommentBarb says
You are so welcome, such a sweet a project. xxoo Barb
View CommentPatti says
Thanks for featuring my hanging lanterns. This is an awesome inspiring list. PIns and shared on FB.
View CommentBarb says
I LOVED your project. Hope to make something similar soon. Thanks for letting me share. xxoo, Barb
View CommentDebbie Miller says
So many great ideas! Looks like I need to dig through my recyclables and get creative!
View CommentBarb says
LOL start saving those cans and jars! (I have an embarrassing stash now) 😀 Thanks for stopping by. Barb
View CommentMary says
Barb thanks for including my upcycled cookie cans. Lots of really great ideas here!
View CommentBarb says
Loved your project. Thanks so much for letting me share with my readers. Barb
View CommentBetty Sanders-Seavey says
Barbara,
View CommentRecycling is near and dear to me. I love these excelllent ideas for cans and bottles. I’m sure some of my crafty friends will love and use your examples. Sharing ! And thank you ♻️♻️
Barb says
Mrs. Betty – me too. Even my grandbabies are trained to ask me “is this recycling” before they throw something away. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. xxoo, Barb
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