Recycling Tin Cans: Organizers and Creative Reuses

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Recycling Tin Cans is an easy and inexpensive way to reuse normally thrown away blue bin items practically and creatively for home and garden.

Why Recycle Tin Cans?

Recycling tin cans not only helps reduce household waste but also opens up a world of DIY possibilities. These sturdy containers are perfect for upcycling into useful and decorative household items. From chic office organizers to fun garden decor, there are countless ways to turn old tin cans into treasures.

Before we dive into the fun stuff, let’s touch upon why recycling tin cans is so crucial:

  • Resource Conservation: Manufacturing new metal products requires significant energy and natural resources like iron ore, coal, and limestone. Recycling reduces the need for mining and processing these raw materials.
  • Energy Savings: Producing aluminum from recycled sources uses about 95% less energy compared to producing it from raw bauxite ore. While tin production processes differ, recycling still offers substantial energy savings.
  • Reduced Landfill Waste: Tin cans take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, contributing to waste accumulation. Recycling diverts this waste and gives the metal a new purpose.
  • Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The energy saved through recycling translates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, helping combat climate change.

By choosing to recycle your tin cans, you’re making a tangible positive impact on the environment.

tin-can-organizers

Recycle Tin Cans

Decorate and recycle tin cans using patterned paper, felt or fabric. Use them as planters, candle holders, or organizers for kitchen, pantry, bathroom, laundry, and art supplies.

recycle-tin-cans-to-make-organizers-at-home
Recycling Tin cans

How to Wrap Tin Cans with Decorative Paper

Materials:

  • Clean, empty tin cans (label removed)
  • Decorative paper (scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, or wallpaper scraps)
  • Double-sided tape or mod podge
  • Paintbrush or foambrush
  • Scissors
  • Ruler and pencil

Instructions:

1. Measure Your Can: Use a ruler to measure the height and circumference of the can. Ensure the tin cans are thoroughly clean and dry before starting.

2. Cut the Paper: Mark and cut your decorative paper to fit those dimensions. Leave some extra for overlapping at the end.

3. Attach the Paper: Apply double-sided tape or a thin layer of mod podge to the can with foam brush.

4. Wrap It Up: Carefully wrap the paper around the can, pressing firmly to secure it in place. Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles as you wrap the paper.

5. Seal It: Once it dries. Coat the paper with mod podge to seal it for protection. You can also use polyurethane.

6. Optional Finish: Add ribbon, labels, or twine for extra flair.

tin-can-paper-craft-organizers

Choose paper to cover tin can

modge-podge-tin-cans-papers

Stick decorative paper to tin can

crochet-flowers-beads-ribbon-buttons

Decorate with embellishments

Related: DIY yarn rosettes

crochet-flowers-tin-cans

Glue rosettes to decorate

recycle-tin-cans-organizers

Handmade yarn rosettes and buttons

recycling-tin-cans-food-cans-to-use-at-home

Recycling Tin Can for Use

 

Practical Tin Can Recycling Ideas

The cylindrical shape and sturdy nature of tin cans make them perfect for a variety of organizational tasks:

1. Office Supply Organizers:

Transform empty cans into stylish holders for pens, markers, pencils, scissors, rulers, clips, and other desk essentials. Group them together on your desk for a clutter-free workspace.

DIY-recycling-tin-cans-pencil-holder

Pencil Holder

2. Bathroom Storage:

Use smaller cans to hold makeup brushes, cotton balls, Q-tips, or even hair accessories.

3. Pantry Organization:

Store packets of seeds, dried herbs, or even small snacks in labeled tin cans to keep your pantry tidy.

4. Tin Can Artist Supplies Organizer

Sort your paintbrushes by size or medium, or keep your knitting needles, crochet hooks, and other craft supplies and tools organized in individual cans in your studio, workspace, and other areas.

spacious-tin-cans-organizer-for-crafts

Art supplies organizer

recycling-tin-cans-crafts

5. Tin Can Kitchen Organizer

Use it to hold kitchen utensils, spatulas, ladles, whisks, and other cooking tools neatly organized on your countertop by repurposing larger tin cans. Handy to use at home, cottage, camping, or even an RV.

kitchen-tin-cans-organizers-use-utensils

Utensils Jar

 

Creative Tin Can Recycling Ideas:

1. Tin Can Planters

To make a tin can planter, simply drill a few holes at the bottom for drainage, fill with pebbles, soil, and your favorite houseplants. Wrap the outside with jute rope, paint it, or use the decorative paper method for a stylish indoor plant display. They’re great for herbs in the kitchen or succulents by the window.

You can also use it as the decorative pot to hold the flower pot with drainage holes. Their metallic nature can even add an industrial-chic touch to your decor.

use-recycle-tin-can-into-planter-at-home

Flower pot

2. Tin Can Caddy

Bundle 3–4 cans together in a circular or rectangular arrangement using hot glue or zip ties. Attach them to a wooden base or wrap with twine. Add a handle for to create a convenient caddy for carrying art supplies, cleaning products, or gardening tools.

Alternatively, drill small holes and use wire to hold the cans at various positions on the bigger can. Use lazy suzan as the base.

tin-can-caddy-tutorial

Caddy

3. Tin Can Windsocks

Paint your cans with bright outdoor acrylic paints, drill a hole in the bottom for a string, and attach ribbons or streamers to the open end. Hang them on porches or trees for a fun, breezy decoration.

DIY-tin-can-windsocks

Windsocks

4. Candle Holders or Lanterns

Punch small designs (stars, hearts, or letters) into the sides of the can using a hammer and nail for beautiful patterns of light. Insert a small pillar candles, tea lights, or LED light inside and enjoy the cozy ambiance.

5. Tin Can Drums

Stretch a balloon or fabric tightly over the top of the can and secure with a rubber band. Let kids decorate and drum away!

6. Festive Decorations

Paint or decorate tin cans for holiday themes. They can become charming Christmas ornaments, spooky Halloween decorations, or rustic Thanksgiving accents.

7. Playful Building Blocks

For younger children, clean and smooth tin cans can become sturdy and fun building blocks.

 

FAQs About Recycling Tin Cans

How do I remove labels and sticky residue from tin cans?

Soaking the cans in warm soapy water can help loosen labels. For stubborn residue, try using a mixture of baking soda and oil or a commercial adhesive remover. Make sure to wash and dry the cans thoroughly afterward.

Are there any safety precautions to consider when working with tin cans?

Be mindful of any sharp edges, especially after cutting or modifying the cans. Use tin snips and always wear gloves to avoid sharp edges. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper or cover them with tape.

Is it better to recycle tin cans or reuse them?

Both recycling and reusing are beneficial. Reusing gives the can a new purpose in its existing form, while recycling allows the metal to be processed into new products, conserving resources. The best option often depends on your needs and creativity!

Can I paint tin cans for outdoor use?

Absolutely! Just use weather-resistant spray paints or acrylics and seal with a waterproof top coat.

Are tin cans safe for food storage once reused?

It’s best not to reuse tin cans for food storage unless they are lined or coated, as exposure to air and moisture can cause rust.

Recycling tin cans is a fantastic way to reduce waste while getting creative at home. Whether you’re organizing your workspace, adding charm to your garden, or crafting with kids, there’s a tin can project for everyone. With just a little effort, you can transform something ordinary into something uniquely useful and beautiful.

You will also like:

DIY baby food jars

Decorative Candle tutorials

DIY flower vases

Find more creative ideas on the DIY Recycle Board.

  1. Brooke Anna @ Mommy Does... says:

    I totally love this idea. I used to have tin cans for everything while growing up. I really think I should start using them again… even if it's only for a cute catch-all!

  2. Blessed x3 says:

    I made one of these with my son for his teacher's Christmas gift. She loved it. It has extra meaning for her now since she has retired this after having my son's class.

  3. The Answer Is Chocolate says:

    I love using ( re-using ) cans and yours are fantastic! Popped over from Rook No.17

  4. Mimi says:

    Hi there – stopping by from Rook No. 17 and Homework. Love what you did with your tin cans! They really are fun to re-use. I'm working right now on something with cans – thanks for the inspiration!

  5. Evelene S says:

    When ever I see a craft like this the first thing that pops into my head is how do prevent cutting yourself on the inside rim- cuz that would be the first thing to happen to me?

  6. Lori@KitchenFunk says:

    Beautiful! I am a can-aholic, and I just love these.

  7. southernscraps says:

    Love the ideas you posted for reusing tin cans! I used to do this and need to go back to it instead of being wasteful!

  8. LivingSoAbundantly says:

    Clever! I like how you decorated each one. 🙂

    http://livingsoabundantly.blogspot.com/p/give-back-thursday.html

  9. farah gul says:

    interesting idea indeed. i like pencil holder,thats funky.

  10. Sarah says:

    What a wonderful way to reuse tin cans. Love it!

  11. Eco-Mom says:

    Oh my gosh, I love this idea! Your blog is just great.

  12. Lovely Light says:

    Hi there- found you through Sew Much Ado's hop and am a new follower. Thanks for the idea- I love to re-use things! We just moved and I might have to make some of these for our new place. I hope you have time to follow my life in South Africa

  13. June Scott says:

    Great ideas, Hani! And being metal, even decorated, they should stick to the magnetic strips I'm thinking of using in my craft room… thanks for sharing!

  14. SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime says:

    The Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop became the coolest party on the block because of your participation 🙂 Thank's Hani!

  15. Stephanie says:

    That is super creative! I am a new follower.
    Stephanie
    mylilpumpkinpatch.blogspot.com

  16. Delaney says:

    Cute idea! Love it!

  17. SJ @ Homemaker On A Dime says:

    Happy Friday! It's me again letting you know that I pinned this in Pinterest and I've featured this here. Please feel free to grab the feature button 🙂

  18. Analog Girl says:

    Hani-
    Love your tin can recycle ideas! I love the planter idea.

  19. Mrs Happy Homemaker says:

    I re-use old coffee can tins to bake bread in. I have never thought to use them as planters though. I bet the kids & I could make some cute ones. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

  20. MJ says:

    visiting from 'delicate construction', great idea for tin cans 🙂 this would surely also work for toilet rolls?

  21. great project and so nice to see you on Craft Schooling Sunday! hope you'll join us regularly! all the best!

  22. Jenn Erickson says:

    Hani, thank you so much for linking up to “A Little Birdie Told Me…” at Rook No. 17. This is a wonderful upcycling project — it is both creative and practical and has so many applications!

    Best, Jenn

  23. Ginger@gingersnapcrafts says:

    Featuring you tonight at my {wow me} wednesday party. Thanks so much for linking up last week. Would love to have you come on over & link up this week. 🙂

    Ginger
    gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com

  24. Katie says:

    This is so unique! Great job! Thank you for linking up to Sew Woodsy last week!

  25. btanders says:

    I love repurposing common household items. I used some cans for silverware holders at a shower recently. Cheap and fun!!

  26. Crystal says:

    What a fantastic way to re-purpose cans!

  27. Delaney says:

    You've been featured on Fabulousity Friday at Sweet Tea Serendipity!

  28. El Olor de Cádiz says:

    HOLA!!!! SOY MERCEDES, Y VIVO EN CADIZ, ESPAÑA. A TRAVES DE OTROS BLOGS, HE CONOCIDO ESTE TUYO, Y ME HA PARECIDO ESTUPENDO, CON TODOS LOS TUTORIALES, Y LOS TRABAJOS TAN ESTUPENDOS QUE HAY. POR SUPUESTO, ME HAGO TU SEGUIDORA, Y TE AGREGO AMIS FAVORITOS, PARA PODER SEGUIRTE. SI TE APETECE, DA UNA VUELTA POR EL MIO, HABER SI TE GUSTA. MI BLOG ES elolordecadiz.tk ESPERO QUE ESTEMOS EN CONTACTO. SALUDOS.

  29. Vally says:

    Love your tins! I definetely want to make something like this to organize my craft room!
    🙂

  30. Goose says:

    Oh, I love it! I am obsessed with pretty boxes, tins etc…

  31. Kari says:

    Love it! I was actually already planning on doing this but I love how you've done it.

  32. very creative and artistic….i am art profession…appreciate your work.

    Adam

  33. MGB says:

    Great idea!
    Thanks for sharing.

  34. Creative ideas for kids and outside activities….thanks

  35. Tanya Anurag says:

    Cool idea. I love to reuse stuff lying around in the house and this one fits the bill. Thanks for sharing.

  36. Rachel Sue says:

    Such a fun idea! I would love to feature this on Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle. Feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. Thanks!

  37. Candace @ Candace Creations says:

    I love your way of decorating the ol tin can! I hope you will link up to Scrappy Saturdays linky party @ candacecreations.blogspot.com

  38. Doreen says:

    Hi! I'm your newest follower.Your organizers are great! I made similar tin can organizers as well. Hope you can come over for a visit and see how they turned out.

  39. Elizabeth says:

    Great idea. Thank you!!!

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Welcome to craftionary

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Hi, I’m Hani

I’m so glad you're here. I'm a mom of 2 with a passion for DIY and crafting. I love to share ideas for turning simple materials into beautiful home and garden decor that brings warmth and personality to any space.

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