You might be surprised by how many everyday items tossed as trash can actually hold value or potential. Viewing these discarded pieces with a fresh perspective can open up new possibilities for creativity, savings, and sustainability.
Understanding which 17 trash items could be treasure helps you discover hidden gems around you and make better use of what might otherwise be wasted. This approach encourages a mindful way of looking at things and can inspire you to rethink what you throw away.
Old Wooden Pallets Turned into Garden Planters
You can easily turn old wooden pallets into stylish garden planters. Pallets provide a sturdy base for flowers, herbs, or small vegetables.
With some creativity, you can make vertical gardens or simple flower boxes. They work well in gardens, balconies, or even sunny window spots.
Reusing pallets is an eco-friendly way to add greenery while reducing waste. Plus, it’s a fun DIY project that doesn’t require advanced skills.
Wine Cork Coasters
You can easily turn your used wine corks into functional coasters. Simply glue them together in patterns like circles or hexagons to create a sturdy surface.
These coasters protect your furniture from drink rings and add a charming, rustic touch to your space. Plus, they’re a great way to reuse something you might usually throw away.
Tin Can Lanterns
You can turn empty tin cans into charming lanterns with just a few simple tools. Start by cleaning the can and removing any labels or glue.
Next, carefully punch holes in a pattern of your choice using a nail and hammer. Be cautious of sharp edges on the inside and outside of the can.
Add a candle or LED light inside, and you’ve got a warm, rustic lantern perfect for your porch or garden. Changing ribbons or decorations seasonally can keep your lanterns fresh and inviting year-round.
Cardboard Tube Desk Organizers
You can turn empty cardboard tubes into handy desk organizers with ease. Just gather a few tubes of different sizes to hold pens, brushes, or small office supplies.
Decorate them with paint or paper to match your style.
Stack or glue tubes together to create a custom organizer that fits your space. It’s a simple way to recycle and keep your desk tidy at the same time.
Used Tires as Hanging Planters
You can turn old tires into hanging planters to save space and add charm to your garden or balcony. They’re great for growing flowers or small plants, especially if you don’t have much ground space.
Hanging planters made from tires can be painted to match your style. You can use large or small tires based on the space you have. They’re simple to hang and can attract beneficial insects to your garden.
Glass Jars as Herb Gardens
You can turn glass jars into mini herb gardens easily. Just add a layer of small rocks for drainage, then soil, and plant your favorite herbs like basil or parsley.
Place your jars on a sunny windowsill to help your herbs grow. They make fresh cooking ingredients handy and add a touch of green to your kitchen.
Using jars saves space and keeps your herbs contained, making it a neat, eco-friendly way to grow fresh herbs at home.
Broken Chair Repurposed Into a Shelf
If you have a broken chair, don’t toss it just yet. You can turn the seat and backrest into a useful shelf with a little creativity.
Simply remove the legs and mount the remaining parts on your wall. It’s a simple way to give the chair a new purpose while adding character to your space.
You can paint or sand it for a weathered look, making it perfect for displaying plants, books, or small decor items.
Outdated T-Shirts into Tote Bags
You can easily turn old t-shirts into reusable tote bags. Just cut off the sleeves and neckline, then sew or tie the bottom to form the bag’s base. No special skills are needed, especially if you choose the no-sew tying method.
This project is both practical and eco-friendly. Your new tote is perfect for shopping or carrying everyday items while keeping fabric waste out of landfills.
Mason Jars as Coffee Storage
You can turn empty mason jars into perfect coffee storage containers. Just clean and dry the jar thoroughly before transferring your coffee grounds or beans.
Mason jars keep your coffee fresh when sealed tightly. Plus, they let you see how much coffee is left at a glance.
Adding a label can help you organize different types or roasts. These jars also look nice on your kitchen shelf or countertop.
Rusty Metal Sheets into Wall Art
You can turn rusty metal sheets into unique wall art with just a little creativity. Their weathered look adds character and a vintage feel to your space.
Try cutting shapes or patterns that reflect your style. You might paint or leave them natural for an industrial vibe.
This project is eco-friendly and allows you to give old metal new life while decorating your home.
Bottle Caps as Decorative Magnets
You can easily turn bottle caps into fun, decorative magnets for your fridge or office. Start by gathering clean bottle caps and small magnets.
Next, decorate the caps with paint, stickers, or pictures to match your style.
Simply glue the magnet to the back of each cap. In minutes, you’ll have unique magnets that add personality to your space while reusing small bits of trash.
Scrap Fabric Quilts
You can turn leftover fabric scraps into beautiful quilts that tell a story. Using small pieces from old clothes, bedsheets, or other textiles, you create something both practical and unique.
Simple patterns like the 9-patch or checkerboard make it easy to start tackling your fabric pile. These quilts are a great way to use what you already have.
Old Drawers as Underbed Storage
You can easily turn old drawers into practical underbed storage. Just slide them under your bed to keep clutter out of sight and save space.
This reuse method is budget-friendly and helps you organize items like clothes, toys, or shoes. Plus, it gives new life to drawers that might otherwise be tossed.
CDs Made into Mosaic Art
You can break old CDs into small pieces to create colorful mosaic designs. The reflective surface catches light in interesting ways, adding sparkle to your projects.
Try decorating picture frames, flower pots, or even making wall art with these shiny shards. Cutting CDs takes care, but the results can brighten up any space.
Vintage Suitcases as Storage Ottomans
You can turn vintage suitcases into stylish storage ottomans with just a few simple additions. Adding a cushioned top creates extra seating and a cozy place to rest your feet.
The suitcase’s worn details give your space a unique, vintage charm. Inside, it offers handy storage for blankets, books, or other items you want to keep out of sight but close by.
Plastic Bottles into Bird Feeders
You can easily turn plastic bottles into simple bird feeders. Just cut holes near the bottom and thread some string or twine through for hanging.
Filling the bottle with birdseed provides a steady supply of food for local birds.
This project is a great way to reuse bottles and help wildlife at the same time. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do outdoors.
Ladder Converted to Bookshelf
You can give an old ladder a new purpose by turning it into a bookshelf. Just lean it against a wall and use the rungs to hold books or decorative items.
This idea works great if you want to add rustic charm and extra storage without spending much. You can paint or sand it to match your room’s style.
It’s a simple project that helps clear clutter while making a unique display for your favorite things.
