10 Storage Ideas for Repurposing Recyclables: Declutter While Saving Earth

Looking to reduce waste while gaining practical storage solutions? Your everyday recyclables can transform into functional organizers with just a bit of creativity. From empty cereal boxes to glass jars, these items offer endless possibilities for organizing your home.

You’ll not only save money by repurposing these items but also contribute to environmental sustainability by keeping them out of landfills. These DIY storage solutions require minimal effort but deliver maximum impact, helping you declutter while giving new life to items you’d otherwise discard.

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10 Creative Ways to Transform Glass Jars into Stylish Storage Solutions

Bathroom Organizer – Convert mason jars into sleek bathroom organizers for cotton balls, Q-tips, and makeup brushes. Mount them on a wooden board with pipe clamps or arrange them on a shelf for instant organization that adds vintage charm to your space.
Desk Supply Station – Repurpose different-sized jars to store paper clips, push pins, rubber bands, and pens. Add chalkboard paint labels to the outside for a professional look that makes finding the right item quick and simple.
Layered Dry Goods Storage – Transform wide-mouth jars into pantry storage for pasta, beans, rice, and other dry goods. The transparent glass allows you to monitor inventory levels while maintaining freshness and preventing pest problems.
Herb Garden Display – Use short, squat jars to create a windowsill herb garden that doubles as storage. Plant basil, mint, or cilantro for fresh herbs that brighten your kitchen while keeping glass out of landfills.
Spice Organization System – Convert small jars into a uniform spice collection by adding identical labels. Mount them under cabinets using metal lids screwed into the underside for space-saving storage that showcases colorful spices.
Craft Supply Containers – Store buttons, beads, ribbon, and other craft supplies in glass jars of varying heights. Hang them from a pegboard using wire for a practical crafting station that displays your creative materials.
Seasonal Décor Storage – Use large jars to store holiday ornaments, fairy lights, or seasonal decorations. The clear containers make finding specific items easy while protecting contents from moisture and dust.
Bathroom Cleaning Kit – Fill jars with homemade cleaners, scrubbing powders, and toilet bombs. Add spray tops to some jars for an eco-friendly cleaning solution that eliminates plastic bottle waste.
Overnight Oats Station – Dedicate several identical jars to breakfast meal prep. Label each jar with different recipes and ingredients for grab-and-go breakfasts that reduce morning stress and eliminate single-use packaging.
Candle and Match Holder – Upcycle jars as stylish candle holders or match safes. Paint the exteriors with frosted glass paint or wrap with twine for rustic charm that complements any décor while providing practical storage.

Turning Plastic Bottles into Practical Organizers for Small Items

Plastic bottles are among the most common household recyclables, with the average American using 156 plastic bottles annually. Instead of sending them to recycling facilities, transform these versatile containers into functional organizers for your small items.

Hanging Bottle Planters for Kitchen Herbs

Turn empty plastic bottles into space-saving herb planters for your kitchen window. Cut the bottles horizontally, keeping the bottom section intact. Drill drainage holes, fill with soil, and plant herbs like basil, mint, and parsley. Attach string through punched holes at the top to create a hanging system. These vertical planters maximize counter space while providing fresh herbs at your fingertips.

Sectioned Bottle Desk Organizers

Create custom desk organizers by cutting plastic bottles into functional sections. Use the bottom third of a 2-liter bottle for paper clips and thumbtacks, while the middle section becomes a pen holder when placed upright. For smaller items like rubber bands or staples, cut 20-ounce bottles horizontally and connect multiple bottle bottoms with hot glue. Add decorative tape or spray paint to match your office decor and prevent shedding plastic particles.

Repurposing Cardboard Boxes into Decorative Storage Bins

Fabric-Covered File Organizers

Transform plain cardboard boxes into stylish file organizers with just fabric and glue. Cut your box to the desired height, leaving the bottom intact. Measure and cut fabric with a 1-inch overlap on all sides. Apply craft glue to the outside of the box, then wrap with fabric, folding corners neatly. For durability, seal with Mod Podge. These customized organizers perfectly match your decor while keeping magazines, mail, and documents tidy on shelves or desks.

Modular Drawer Systems from Shipping Boxes

Create a versatile drawer system using shipping boxes of similar sizes. Remove the top flaps and reinforce the corners with duct tape for stability. Cover each box with contact paper or spray paint in coordinating colors. Stack boxes horizontally or vertically, securing them together with strong double-sided tape or velcro strips. Add drawer pulls using cabinet hardware or rope handles for a finished look. This modular system works perfectly for organizing craft supplies, office materials, or children’s toys.

Converting Metal Cans into Rustic Storage Containers

Industrial-Style Pen Holders

Transform empty metal cans into stylish industrial-chic pen holders with minimal effort. Start by removing labels and thoroughly washing the cans to remove any residue. Sand down sharp edges for safety, then apply rust-resistant primer followed by spray paint in metallic hues like copper, bronze, or matte black. Add character by wrapping twine around the middle or attaching leather scraps with strong adhesive. Group several cans of varying heights for an eye-catching desk organizer that keeps writing tools perfectly accessible.

Magnetic Spice Containers

Create space-saving magnetic spice storage from small metal tins and cans. Use shallow metal containers like mint tins or small soup cans with plastic lids. Clean thoroughly, removing labels with vegetable oil and baking soda for stubborn adhesive. Attach strong neodymium magnets to the backs using industrial-strength adhesive. Label each container with chalkboard paint strips or printed labels. These magnetic spice holders stick directly to your refrigerator or a metal sheet mounted inside a cabinet door, keeping frequently used seasonings within easy reach while freeing up valuable counter and cabinet space.

Upcycling Wooden Crates into Versatile Storage Furniture

Wooden crates offer incredible potential for creating functional storage furniture with minimal effort. These sturdy containers, often discarded after transporting fruits, vegetables, or wine, can be transformed into bookshelves, coffee tables, and wall-mounted organizers. You’ll appreciate how these rustic pieces add character to your home while providing practical storage solutions that keep clutter at bay. Best of all, repurposing wooden crates diverts material from landfills while giving you custom furniture without the designer price tag.

Transforming Old Magazines into Woven Baskets and Containers

Old magazines don’t have to end up in the recycling bin immediately after you’ve finished reading them. With some simple folding techniques, you can transform these colorful publications into sturdy, functional storage baskets and containers. The tightly woven structure creates surprisingly durable items that add a unique decorative element to your home while giving those magazines a second life.

To create a basic magazine basket, start by folding each page into equal-width strips—about 1-2 inches wide—while leaving the spine intact. Once all pages are folded, bend the magazine into a circular shape and secure the first and last pages together with strong adhesive or staples. The folded pages will naturally fan out to create the basket shape. For added stability, weave additional magazine strips horizontally through the vertical folds.

For more complex containers, cut magazine pages into long strips and learn simple weaving patterns. This technique allows you to create custom-sized containers with handles, lids, or compartments. Seal your finished basket with clear varnish or mod podge to increase durability and protect the colorful magazine prints from fading.

These woven magazine containers work perfectly for storing mail, craft supplies, toiletries, or as decorative catch-alls throughout your home. You’ll not only reduce waste but also create conversation pieces that showcase your creativity and commitment to sustainable living.

Creating Drawer Dividers from Repurposed Cereal Boxes

Those cereal boxes headed for the recycling bin can transform your messy drawers into organized storage spaces. Cereal box drawer dividers are simple to make, cost nothing, and can be customized to fit any drawer size. Here’s how to create these practical organizers:

Collect and clean empty cereal boxes – Save several boxes of different sizes to accommodate various drawer dimensions and organizational needs.
Measure your drawer dimensions – Take precise measurements of the drawer height, width, and depth to ensure your dividers fit perfectly.
Cut the cereal boxes – Remove the top and bottom flaps, then cut the box to match your drawer height. For longer dividers, cut along one corner and unfold the box into a flat piece.
Create custom compartments – Cut slots halfway through dividers that will intersect, allowing them to fit together in a grid pattern for multiple compartments.
Cover with decorative paper – Use wrapping paper, contact paper, or fabric to cover the cereal boxes for a more attractive appearance that hides the original packaging.
Insert into drawers – Arrange the dividers in your drawer according to your organizational needs, creating specific spaces for different items.
Secure in place – Use double-sided tape on the bottom of dividers to prevent them from shifting when opening and closing the drawer.

Using Toilet Paper Rolls for Cable Management and Small Item Storage

Toilet paper rolls offer surprisingly versatile storage solutions that can help organize your home while keeping these cardboard tubes out of the trash. Their cylindrical shape makes them perfect for corralling cables and small items that tend to create clutter.

DIY Cable Organizer

Transform toilet paper rolls into efficient cable organizers by following these simple steps:

Collect and clean several empty toilet paper rolls, ensuring they’re free from any residual paper.
Decorate the rolls with washi tape, decorative paper, or paint to match your décor or color-code by cable type.
Label each roll with the name of the device it belongs to (phone charger, HDMI cable, etc.).
Fold longer cables neatly and slide them into the cardboard tubes.
Store all tubes in a decorative box or basket for a polished look while keeping cables tangle-free.

Desk Drawer Organizers

Toilet paper rolls create perfect compartments for organizing small office supplies:

Measure your drawer dimensions to determine how many tubes will fit.
Cut some tubes in half lengthwise to create shorter compartments for items like paper clips.
Arrange the tubes vertically in your drawer, securing them together with hot glue or double-sided tape.
Designate each tube for specific items such as pens, pencils, highlighters, or scissors.
Cover the entire organizer with contact paper for a more finished appearance and added durability.

Seed Starter Pots

Repurpose toilet paper rolls into biodegradable seed starters:

Fold one end of each tube inward to create a bottom (like closing a box).
Fill each tube with potting soil about 3/4 full.
Plant seeds according to package directions.
Place all tubes in a waterproof tray near sunlight and water regularly.
Plant the entire tube in your garden when seedlings are ready—the cardboard will decompose naturally.

Creating these simple storage solutions from toilet paper rolls not only helps organize your home but also extends the life cycle of these everyday recyclables, reducing waste while saving money on conventional organizers.

Reimagining Egg Cartons as Jewelry and Craft Supply Organizers

Egg cartons are perfect candidates for organizing small items like jewelry, beads, and craft supplies. Their compartmentalized design naturally separates tiny objects, preventing tangling and loss. Transform these humble containers into functional organizers with these simple approaches:

Clean thoroughly – Wash empty egg cartons with mild soap and water, then let them dry completely before use to remove any food residue.
Paint or decorate – Apply acrylic paint to cardboard egg cartons for a customized look that matches your décor. Spray paint works well for plastic or foam cartons.
Reinforce when needed – For heavier items, strengthen cardboard cartons by applying a thin layer of Mod Podge or clear-drying craft glue.
Create modular systems – Cut cartons into smaller sections that fit perfectly in drawers or on shelves. Stack multiple cartons for expanded storage.
Label each compartment – Add small labels to identify what’s stored in each section—particularly useful for organizing beads by color or earrings by style.

These repurposed egg cartons not only keep your small items organized but also keep packaging out of landfills, offering a sustainable storage solution that costs nothing to implement.

Eco-Friendly Storage Solutions Using Mixed Recyclable Materials

Get creative by combining different recyclable materials for multipurpose storage solutions that tackle unique organizational challenges. These mixed-material projects let you use smaller scraps and odd pieces that might otherwise be discarded.

Tiered Desktop Organizer from Cardboard and Plastic Bottles

Create a customized desk organizer by combining cardboard boxes as the base structure with plastic bottle tops as removable compartments. Cut cardboard boxes into a stepped configuration, then attach trimmed plastic bottles to serve as pull-out drawers for paperclips, thumbtacks, and other small office supplies. Reinforce the structure with decorative paper or fabric for a cohesive look that matches your workspace décor.

Fabric-Covered Can and Cardboard Storage System

Transform your storage space by wrapping metal cans and cardboard tubes in matching fabric scraps to create a coordinated organizational system. Mount cans horizontally on a wooden board for storing pens, markers, and paintbrushes, while standing cardboard tubes can hold larger items like rulers and scissors. The fabric covering unifies diverse recyclables while adding decorative appeal to your craft area.

Hanging Garden from Bottles and Cans

Combine plastic bottles and metal cans to create a vertical garden system for herbs or small houseplants. Cut bottles horizontally to create planters, then use metal can lids as water catchers. Connect the units with strong twine through holes punched in the materials, creating a cascading garden that maximizes growing space while minimizing floor footprint. This solution works perfectly for small balconies or kitchen windows.

Mixed Material Modular Bathroom Organizers

Address bathroom clutter by creating interlocking storage units from various recyclables. Use glass jars for cotton balls and swabs, mount trimmed plastic bottles as toothbrush holders, and create shelf dividers from sturdy cardboard. Bond these elements together with non-toxic adhesive for a water-resistant, customizable organization system that fits your specific bathroom storage needs.

Conclusion: Embracing Sustainable Storage Through Creative Recycling

Your home’s next storage solution is likely sitting in your recycling bin right now. By transforming glass jars plastic bottles cardboard boxes and even toilet paper rolls into functional organizers you’re not just decluttering—you’re making an environmental impact.

These DIY projects don’t require special skills or expensive materials. They simply invite you to look at everyday items through a more creative lens.

As you implement these ideas you’ll discover that sustainable living doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. Each repurposed recyclable tells a story while serving a purpose in your home. Start small with one project and watch how quickly these eco-friendly habits become second nature—benefiting both your space and our planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of repurposing recyclables for storage?

Repurposing recyclables for storage offers dual benefits: saving money on store-bought organizers and promoting environmental sustainability by keeping items out of landfills. These DIY solutions help reduce waste while providing effective storage options for decluttering your home. Plus, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of creating something useful from items you would typically throw away.

How can I transform glass jars into storage organizers?

Glass jars can become bathroom organizers, desk supply holders with chalkboard labels, pantry containers for dry goods, windowsill herb gardens, spice storage, craft supply organizers, seasonal décor vessels, cleaning product containers, breakfast meal prep jars, or candle holders. Simply clean the jars thoroughly, remove labels, and customize with paint, labels, or other decorative elements to match your decor.

Can plastic bottles really be used as organizers?

Yes! Plastic bottles make excellent organizers for small items. You can create hanging planters for kitchen herbs by cutting bottles horizontally and attaching them to walls or windows. You can also make sectioned desk organizers by cutting and connecting bottles. With some creativity, plastic bottles become practical storage solutions rather than waste.

How do I turn cardboard boxes into decorative storage?

Transform cardboard boxes into stylish storage by covering them with decorative paper, fabric, or paint. Create file organizers by cutting and reinforcing cereal boxes. For modular drawer systems, combine multiple boxes and secure them together. Add labels, handles, or other embellishments to customize your storage solutions to match your home decor.

What can I make with empty metal cans?

Clean and paint empty metal cans to create industrial-style pen holders or desk organizers. Group different-sized cans together for visual appeal. Small metal tins can become magnetic spice containers that attach to refrigerators or cabinet doors, maximizing kitchen space. Sand any sharp edges for safety and add rust-resistant paint for durability.

How do you make woven baskets from old magazines?

Create woven baskets by folding magazine pages into strips and weaving them together. Start by folding each page lengthwise multiple times to create sturdy strips. Weave these strips in an over-under pattern to form the base and sides of your basket. Seal the finished basket with clear varnish or mod podge for durability and longevity.

Can wooden crates be repurposed as furniture?

Absolutely! Wooden crates can become bookshelves, coffee tables, or wall-mounted organizers. Sand the crates to remove splinters, stain or paint them to match your decor, and secure them together for larger pieces. Add casters for mobility or legs for height. These versatile containers add rustic charm while providing practical storage solutions.

How do I make drawer dividers from cereal boxes?

Cut cereal boxes to fit your drawer dimensions, creating custom compartments. Measure the drawer’s height and desired compartment width, then cut the boxes accordingly. For durability, reinforce with tape or cover with decorative paper. Arrange the dividers to create sections for different items, transforming messy drawers into organized spaces.

What creative uses are there for toilet paper rolls?

Toilet paper rolls make excellent cable organizers when labeled and stored in a box. They also create perfect desk drawer compartments for small items like pens and office supplies. Additionally, they can become biodegradable seed starter pots for gardening. Simply fold the bottom of the roll inward to create a base before adding soil.

How can egg cartons be used for organization?

Egg cartons are perfect for organizing jewelry and craft supplies. Clean thoroughly, then decorate with paint or decorative paper. The individual compartments perfectly hold rings, earrings, beads, or buttons. For durability, reinforce with clear varnish or mod podge. Label each compartment for easy identification of contents, creating a sustainable organization system.

Can I combine different recyclable materials for storage projects?

Yes! Combining various recyclable materials creates versatile storage solutions. Make a tiered desktop organizer with cardboard and bottles, create fabric-covered can and cardboard systems, design a hanging garden from bottles and cans, or develop modular bathroom organizers from mixed materials. The possibilities are endless when you get creative with recyclable combinations.

Are these DIY storage solutions durable?

With proper preparation and finishing, DIY storage solutions from recyclables can be surprisingly durable. Seal paper products with mod podge or clear varnish, reinforce joints with strong adhesives, and apply protective finishes to prevent wear. While they may not last forever, these solutions provide months or years of use while keeping materials out of landfills.