18 Household Items You Can Repurpose Instead of Throwing Away

Finding creative ways to repurpose everyday items is a great way to reduce waste and give new life to old objects. Here are 17 household items that can come in handy for years to come.

Glass Jars

Remember those glass jars from your last jam or pickle feast? Don’t throw them away. They make stylish storage containers for all sorts of things. Spices, buttons, craft supplies – you name it. Give them a good clean, slap on some cool labels or a bit of paint, and you’ve got yourself a neat, eco-friendly way to keep things organized. Rural Sprout suggests using them for storing lard and tallow, which is a great nod to traditional practices​​.

Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles don’t just have to end up in the recycling bin. You can cut off their tops and turn them into DIY planters. Perfect for growing herbs or small flowers. Imagine your own little garden sprouting from something you were going to throw away. Plus, it’s a great step towards reducing landfill waste.

Wine Corks

Got a bunch of wine corks lying around? Don’t just toss them. You can create all sorts of cool stuff, like bulletin board pins or trivets. It’s a creative way to add a rustic touch to your decor and repurpose something that’s often overlooked.

Shoeboxes

Shoeboxes can have a second life beyond holding your footwear. With a bit of decoration, like wrapping paper or fabric, they become handy storage boxes. Great for organizing paperwork, craft supplies, or kids’ toys. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to reuse and keep your space tidy.

Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds aren’t just waste. Mix them with some coconut oil or honey, and you’ve got a natural skin exfoliant. You can also sprinkle them in your garden. They’re good for the soil and can help repel pests, plus they give a nice nutrient boost to your plants.

Mason Jars

Mason jars are like the Swiss Army knife of the jar world. They can be drinking glasses, candle holders, flower vases, or even bathroom organizers. Their classic design brings a rustic charm to any space, and they’re super versatile.

Old T-Shirts

Instead of tossing out old t-shirts, why not cut them up into cleaning rags or turn them into DIY tote bags? It’s a great way to reduce waste and get a bit crafty. Plus, you get to keep using something that’s got sentimental value.

Plastic Grocery Bags

Those plastic grocery bags can be reused as trash can liners, protective covers for storing delicate items, or even as makeshift packing material. It’s a simple way to extend their life and lessen your environmental impact.

Egg Cartons

So, egg cartons. You’d think they’re just for holding eggs, but actually, they’re pretty great for starting a garden. You can fill each little compartment with soil, pop in some seeds, and watch them sprout. It’s like having a mini greenhouse. As you can imagine, it’s super satisfying to see those little seedlings grow, knowing you’re using something that would’ve just been tossed out.

Wine Bottles

Now, wine bottles have got to be one of my favorite things to repurpose. Once they’re empty, they can turn into these beautiful home decor pieces. Clean them up, and they make amazing vases or candle holders. I’ve even seen people cut them in half to make unique drinking glasses.

Cardboard Boxes

Let’s talk about cardboard boxes. You might just see a box, but I see a world of possibilities. You can turn them into storage organizers, magazine holders, or, if you’re feeling really creative, a playhouse for the kids. It’s actually a lot of fun to transform a plain old box into something practical and cool. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste and keep your home organized.

Cans

You probably have a few cans in your recycling bin right now. But before you toss them, think about this: they make great pencil holders, planters for herbs, or even candle holders. A little paint can turn an old can into a pretty neat addition to your home decor. It’s a simple way to be a bit more eco-friendly and add a personal touch to your space.

Plastic Utensils

Plastic utensils don’t just have to be one-time-use. They can actually be pretty handy for crafts. I’ve seen them turned into paint brushes or used in DIY projects. It’s a creative way to reuse these items and, let’s be honest, it’s kind of fun to turn something ordinary into something totally new and unexpected.

CD Cases

CD cases are becoming a bit of a relic, but they can have a new life as picture frames. Just swap out the CD insert for a photo, and you’ve got yourself a modern, sleek frame. It’s a great way to upcycle something that might otherwise just sit in a drawer collecting dust.

Old Newspapers

Old newspapers make awesome wrapping paper. It’s got this cool, vintage vibe that you just can’t get with regular wrapping paper. Add some colorful ribbons or drawings, and you’ve got gift wrap that’s not only unique but also eco-friendly. Plus, it’s a neat way to reuse something that would otherwise just be recycled.

Plastic Food Containers

Those plastic food containers you get with your takeout can be reused for all sorts of things. Leftovers, craft supplies, plant pots – you name it. It’s a great alternative to single-use plastics and helps keep your home organized.

Scraps of Fabric

Got scraps of fabric lying around? Don’t throw them out. You can turn them into quilts, cloth napkins, or even toys. It’s a fun way to get crafty and make something unique. Plus, it’s a good way to reduce waste.

Empty Tissue Boxes