Easy Ways to Reuse Plastic Bottles, Buckets and Lids

Whether you are going green because you are trying to save the planet or simply because you're trying to save green (money), there are several ways you can reuse plastics. Finding new uses for plastic bottles, buckets and lids that would normally be thrown away can help the earth while saving you a few pennies. Here are 10 ways to reuse and repurpose those bottles, buckets and lids and keep them out of the trash.

Plastic Lids

Plastic peanut butter jars lids are just the right size to be used as kitchen sink drain plugs. The drain plugs that came with my kitchen sink eventually broke. I didn't want to make a special trip into town to buy replacements and just happened to be cleaning out an empty jar of peanut butter. By accident I discovered that the peanut butter lid was the perfect size and as long as it is put down in the drain with the threads up, it makes for a handy drain plug.

I save plastic lids from chip cans and similar products. They are great for craft uses. Most specifically, I use such lids to hold paint and glue when my children and I are doing crafting and painting projects. They can be rinsed and reused or they can be simply thrown away if they are too messy.

Plastic Cat Litter Buckets

If you buy litter for your cat in the large plastic buckets, they are perfect for a number of uses. These buckets can be cleaned out and used to hold a number of different items.

Store your small gardening hand tools, pruning shears, gloves and other supplies in an empty cat litter bucket. The lidded bucket will keep everything dry and contained while being portable as you work on your gardening projects.

Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles can be reused in a number of ways. You can make a scoop for cat food, cat litter, dog food, potting soil - whatever. A plastic soda bottle can be reused and made into a bird feeder or a windsock. For more about reusing and recycling plastic bottles, see Recycle Those Plastic Bottles - Make a Scoop, Recycled Crafts: Plastic Bottle Windsock, and Recycled Crafts: Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder.

Reuse plastic medicine or pill bottles for crafts (see Recycled Crafts: Cinco de Mayo Maracas) or for storage. Medicine bottles are great for storing small craft supplies, sewing supplies, buttons, small toys, chalk, crayon pieces and more. Create a small travel sewing kit by putting a few mending items in an empty pill bottle.

Plastic mustard, ketchup, syrup and other food bottles can be reused for wet and wild playtime for the kids. Fill the bottles with water and take them outside on a hot day for some water splashing and squirting fun.

Other Plastic Items

I have reused plastic drinking cups and turned them into bug catchers as a fun craft project with my kids. See instructions HERE.

Save plastic storage bags then wash and reuse them to save money and keep them out of the landfills. This is also a great way to save a few pennies. For more info, see Tips for Washing and Reusing Plastic Storage Bags.

Plastic cutlery can be marked with a permanent marker and used as plant markers in the garden or in containers.

Plastic grocery bags are reused in a number of ways around my house. I reuse them as trash bags in small trash cans. I use them for cleaning up messes the cats make around the house (no need for plastic gloves, put your hand inside the bag, pick up the pukey mess then turn the bag inside out).

There are a number of ways to reuse plastic items and keep them out of the local landfills. Not only will you help the environment but you'll save a few pennies as well.

See also:
Recycled Craft Supplies: Crafty Uses for Trash Items