Back when our growing kids were constantly threatening to eat us out of house and home, I focused most of my efforts on the “reuse” aspect of “reduce, reuse, and recycle” when it came to disposable food containers. Lucky for me, that skill has served me well over time!
I’ve discovered all sorts of ways to repurpose different types of containers. As I’ve reflected on the containers I’ve found most useful, I thought, “Why not write a post about them?” So I did!
Below, you’ll find a list of my top 9 containers to repurpose around the house, along with suggestions for ways to use them. (You may also find my tips on removing stickers helpful if you prefer to remove labels from containers before reusing them!)
Look for the video at the end of this post to see step-by-step instructions in action!
9 Versatile Containers You Can Reuse Around the House
1. Parmesan Cheese Shakers
While the container itself is useful enough, it’s the lid on the Parmesan cheese container that earns it a place on this list! An old Parmesan cheese shaker is perfect for storing anything you might want to distribute by shaking or sprinkling, such as cornstarch, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, baking soda, etc.
The other side of the lid usually has a larger opening that can also come in handy. You can use it to dispense kids’ snacks—or your own snacks, for that matter. (Did you know that the lid from a Parmesan cheese shaker can fit onto a regular mouth mason jar? It’s true!)
2. Baby Wipes Boxes
Baby wipes boxes are an extremely versatile container to have on hand, and I use one to store my reusable fabric softener sheets. The box keeps them nice and tidy and the lid helps seal in the scent so they don’t need to be refreshed quite as often.
The one drawback I’ve found with these containers is that their labels can be downright impossible to remove. So if the label bothers you, I’d recommend covering it up with some scrapbook paper or washi tape rather than trying to remove it.
3. Large Yogurt Containers
Whether they were originally filled with yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, or something else, plastic tubs are great for repurposing! I use them to freeze a variety of veggies and fruits, but my favorite way to use them is to gift homemade ice cream to friends and family. I usually take the time to remove the ink print from the outside of the container first to make it look a bit nicer.
To remove the ink, just pour some rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover onto a cotton ball and wipe the printed areas. You may need to use a few cotton balls to get all the ink off, but pretty soon you’ll have a clean container! Wash it with soapy water and it’ll be ready to use.
4. Ice Cream Pails
I find it virtually impossible to throw these versatile plastic buckets away! They’re handy for corralling collections of items like seasonal cookie cutters and small toys. You can also fill them with soapy water when tackling cleaning jobs around the house.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention that these buckets have proven highly useful as vomit receptacles. When my kids were much younger and much more vomit-prone, I would bring one along on every car ride and I kept one under my kids’ beds for those unpredictable late-night episodes. These pails saved me a lot of unfortunate cleanup during those years!
5. Gum/Mint Containers
There are so many great uses for gum and mint containers. Gum containers are a bit bigger, so they’re great for storing craft supplies, snacks, or even loose change.
Smaller mint containers are handy for corralling paper clips, emergency sewing supplies, or notoriously easy-to-lose hair accessories like bobby pins! The possibilities are practically endless.
6. Tin Cans
No decent list of repurposed containers could exclude the good old tin can! You can use them as pencil holders, small vases for flowers, watering cans for your houseplants, or you can make one of those old-school “telephones” by threading a length of string or yarn through the bottom of two cans.
More Ideas You'll Love
If you intend for your can to be out on a desk or table somewhere, you can upcycle a can by dressing up the outside with paint, fabric, washi tape, or scrapbook paper.
7. Plastic Milk Jugs
Plastic milk jugs always come in handy as a watering can in a pinch, but my favorite way to repurpose them is as a giant ice pack. Just fill a milk jug with water until it is nearly full, but not quite. (The extra space will accommodate the expansion of the water as it freezes.)
Screw the cap on and throw the milk jug in the freezer until it’s frozen solid. The milk jug “ice pack” is great for camping, picnics, and more! I often use one for trips to Costco, since the closest Costco to us is 30 minutes away. So I bring a cooler and my milk jug “ice pack” to keep the cold/frozen foods cold until we get back home.
8. Stackable Tackle Box Jars
I love finding new uses for ordinary things you can find in any grocery store. :-) I found these stackable tackle box jars in the camping and fishing aisle quite by accident, and I just love them! They are great for storing small amounts of things in your purse or car, like ointment, pills, or lotion.
9. Juice Bottles
Empty juice bottles are my container of choice for storing my homemade liquid laundry detergent. They’re the perfect size, and it’s nice to be able to reuse such a big container instead of just throwing it out. You can learn how to make my homemade liquid laundry detergent here.
Click here to see these tips in action!
More Repurposing Tips & Tricks
What’s your favorite way to reuse containers?
NEW! Can you guess the 5-letter word related to today’s post?
More Ideas You'll Love
can’t forget the empty candle jars, especially the ones with lids…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great addition Connie. Thanks! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Good ideas for reusing containers. I would be very careful carrying loose pills in purse or car, some states have strict rules if you carry pills without prescription label on it with your name. If you get pulled over, you have no proof of what the pills are.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The Oui yogurt glass container is very useful! I got silicon tops from Amazon
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, Amy! I have a post on these:
Please log in or create a free account to comment.https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/13-uses-for-glass-yogurt-jars/
Hi Jillee, thank you for this post, I love reusing containers! Here are some of my ideas:
*I reuse ice cream pails for bows to keep them from getting smashed.
*Lead containers for mechanical pencils are perfect for sewing/cross stitch needles.
*I make fairy dresses and scrapbook with fake flowers and the large cheese ball containers are perfect for storing my loose flowers.
*I use the stackable pill containers for the gems for the new hobby Diamond Dotz. I tape the number/symbol that matches the pattern onto each one.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for your blog!
Debbie
Great ideas! Thank you.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I also use my mechanical lead containers for my X-stitch needles…I put a craft magnetic strip on the back and it stays attached to the side of my recycled cookie tin now X-stitch tin. It keeps it from getting lost in the bottom.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We’ve used empty gum/ mint containers to train our animals not to bark((dogs) and not to bolt out of the house( cats) by filling up the container with coins and then shaking it. Also as an aside the compressed air canisters for computer cleaning also work well to distract cats from unwanted behaviors and all you have to do is pick up the containers or canisters after a while! Love all your tips!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used them for carrying dog treats in, and when I catch them ‘behaving’ reward the good behavior to reinforce it. I glued a jewelry clip on the back of some, I put a jumbo bobby pin on the back of some, to slip over my belt. I love those treat containers. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like to use 1or 2 litre pop bottles (or water bottles) for homemade broth. Fill to about an inch from the top, put the cap on and freeze for later use. Any fat goes to the top which I skim off before using (I cut the top off in order access the fat). Easily stores in the freezer without spills.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I still the Altoids containers- sometimes. They are so handy . We love the smaller Parmesan ones. Our area has a holiday tradition where we would save a bunch of the gallon milk jugs. Cut off a small portion. Then fill with sand. Put the long burning candles in. We would do this on Christmas Eve. It’s really pretty when all the neighbors would do it too. Our block doesn’t do it as much -because some of the old timers have died . The comment about saving the before storms reminds me of when one of my brothers lived in a Carribean country for a few years. One of those places where if the power would go out – you wouldn’t have running water. That’s the way it is in some of those places.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oops meant saving water. Otherwise if it wasn’t running due to the power- would have to use water from an outside well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like to use the Parmesan shaker to put instant potatoes in. It doesn’t take a lot of instant potatoes to thicken pots of beans, soups or stews so this container is just right for that to always have some on hand to use for that purpose. I like it better than flour or cornstarch.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love the idea of using instant potatoes to thicken brothy foods! Thx! ~Debbie
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I empty the cardboard box that my Oxi Clean comes in, open the plastic bag, pour the Oxi into the empty square plastic pail with lid that held my automatic dishwasher pods, than use the scooper to measure out what I need. It’s so much easier to scoop out the cleaner and keeps it dryer and neater.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Several years ago I made a trash can for my husband’s bathroom using the large square soap tub from Costco. I covered it with camo fabric using Mod Podge [6 coats]. Now it fits into the new vanity cupboard nicely.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.There are only 2 of us so when I make a pot of soup, or pot of spaghetti sauce or chili, I freeze the leftovers in the 3# round plastic margarine containers. Just label with some masking tape and place in the freezer.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I do this, too. If you find the masking tape curls off after a while, try using freezer tape to make your labels or write on the tub with a Sharpie. The black writing will come right off with a little rubbing alcohol.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My opinion for the #1 container to NEVER toss, is the foaming hand soap dispenser. I have one in each bathroom, my kitchen and garage next to the wet wipes and paper towels. I have had 1 for at least 20 years. Just refill with 1/8 cup of your favorite liquid soap. 1/16 if you dont want so much or if you have a water softener, or a 1/4 cup if you like more. Make sure to shake it before you pump it. Watch 96 oz of liquid detergent or favorite hand soap stretch 2-3 years depending on use. Great for those in day care. The children love it! No sloppy gloppy mess. Just be sure to clean the dispenser. I clean mine about 4 times a year. I drop them all in my reused icecream pail with vinegar and lemon.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow! I’m definitely going to use this tip!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used your parm cheese container idea! I had one of the smaller containers and I filled it with baking soda and some lemon, tea tree, and lavender EOs and let it sit until I needed it. Sure enough it came in handy when my dog peed on my carpet a few days later, then vomited on a rug. Now I always have scented baking soda ready for cleaning or deodorizing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I make an effort to keep & clean all types of containers that aren’t easily recycled, especially glass jars. One of my favorite plastic containers is the extra large liquid laundry detergent dispenser that has a spigot. I haven’t reused it yet, but it has too much potential to discard! Any suggestions?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My parents buy liquid laundry detergent and I reuse their containers (spigot included) for my homemade laundry detergent.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Maybe you could fill it with water and keep it outside for rinsing off shoes or dog paws. Or take it camping filled with water for washing hands and dishes :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The quart yogurt container is perfect for dumping coffee grounds from a round or v-shaped coffee filter! Just turn the filter upside down on the container and tap both on the counter! Voila! The grounds are contained with little mess! One quart will hold over a week’s worth of coffee grounds which I then dump into my compost! The plain white container lives on the counter next to the coffee maker and coffee containers.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am impressed by the ingenuity of your readers and the variety of uses they find for plastic containers.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Better to reuse/recycle than to fill precious and expensive landfill space with thrown-away plastics.
[The ChemicalSafetyFacts.org has an article explaining the plastic/recycle symbols and suggesting alternate used of recycle plastics.] But giving plastic containers a second-third-fourth life instead of condemning them to the landfill is great.
Recently I bought a flat of spring plants pre-planted in 8 inch plastic cups with bottom drain holes–one is JUST the height for my kitchen sink so compostables drain into the sink drain instead of the cabinet top and its smaller size makes me empty it BEFORE the drain gnats and fruit flies show up. The other seven I will re-use to make my own transplants from the garden to share.
Members of a knitting group in my church punch a hole in the side of a plastic coffee container and thread the end of a skein of yarn through the hole. The container keeps yarn clean and untangled, instructions can be folded to fit the container and the lid snaps in place to hold everything in place.
-I use big yogurt and cool whip plastic containers in freezer to hold veggie cooking juices and veggie scraps for stock (makes amazingly flavourful stock).
Please log in or create a free account to comment.-I also use 4L ice cream pails to split 10kg bag of flour t0 make more manageable amount. Sugar, rice, oats, anything I buy in huge bags that can benefit from a more manageable sized container.
-Smaller glass jars make great containers for MYO dips & dressings and then easy to lid & store in fridge.
-Spagetti sauce jars get reused to can homemade spagetti sauce. Classico jars work with mason jar lids.
-use plastic juice containers for camping (fill with water & freeze). Will not leak while thawing, can add drink crystals and just shake so less dishes.
All good ideas. Thanks. I didn’t know mason jar lids fit Classico jars. I will definitely be saving mine from now on!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillie, are you from the south? We have been saving and repurposing plastic containers for years and get teased about it. I like to use the round mint containers for vitamins and pills when we go out to eat. Another great keeper is the square tissue box. It will hold at least 20 folded plastic grocery bags. It’s pretty and takes up very little space.
Thank you for your daily tips!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have 2 such tissue boxes on the kitchen counter, one for bags for the garbage, although most grocers now want you to bring your own reusable bags, and one box for the plastic veggie bags that come in handy for used coffee grounds, fridge ‘unknowns’, and even picking up dog poop.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Barb,
I also use the plastic veggie bags as my cooking kitchen garbage bags, for all those potato skins and other skins, that are NOT supposed to go down the disposal, plus the papers that fish or meat come in. Every time I cook, I have a “GB” (Garbage Bag) next to me, wrap it up and walk it to my trash chute (or when I was in my home) to the trash immediately. (NO SMELL). Love your idea as well.
“Cube” tissue boxes are great for holding dryer lint. Can be tossed when full-takes a LONG time to fill it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Crystal Light containers!! Best invention on the planet! These are perfect for motorhomes where space is at a premium. They can be cut down to fit a shorter space (the lid still fits) or you can tape part of another container to one to make it taller. We use them to store small tools, plastic silverware, laundry pods, etc., etc. I use them in my very awkward car console to store keys, pens, and other small items that get lost in that black hole.
Oh! I love that you mentioned parmesan containers! I use one to mix and store my homemade taco mix. Dump all the spices in, close it up, shake, and it’s ready to go! It’s perfect!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I re-use every possible container that I can that comes into my home. Ice Cream pails get used for tons of things. My married kids call them “BOB” meaning Bucket of Barf. They have a bucket handy for any possible situation where a BOB is needed. With 10 grandchildren they get used a lot. The plastic container that hold spindles of blank computer CD’s are handy for an adult version of a BOB. If you leave the CD container intact you can store spools of ribbon out of the dust but still see the contents.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I re-use every clam shell style berry container that comes into my home. I can prepare garden produce into sandwich baggies. Two of them fit nicely in the standard box. They let you see what is in them. And they let you keep the freezer organized. They stack well. No more baggie boulders to deal with! They are also great to help keep the leftover balls of yarn organized in my yarn stash. It helps to keep skeins of sock yarn together until I can get the socks knit. They also make a get wrapping container when I gift them with the yarn info and laundry instructions. These containers are all well used.
When sending cookies to rest stops for the senior center I found clean empty spinach , etc. plastic containers were perfect for packing cookies in and I didn’t worry about getting my containers back.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use most any kind of boxes – cake mixes, cereal boxes, pasta boxes to wrap Christmas presents in for kids and grandkids. They come in all shapes and sizes and everyone gets a laugh and noone has any idea what is in the box
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use the top of plastic containers for the bottom of planters. The best products that have a lip on the container (no leakage) is whipped toppings or coffees that have plastic lids.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Oh yes! I do that too. I also use the larger lids as a “coaster” in the refrigerator. I use old Tupperware lids from the celery keeper I no longer use for stacking pudding cups and jello cups for my husband’s lunch.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use the lids from pringles chips under metal cans, such as comet or metal spray cleaners so they don’t leave a rust ring on the cupboard floors.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Clever!
I reuse the bags from boxes of cereal to store veggies I’ve prepared to freeze, leftover quick bread, biscuits, cookies, cooked meats to refreeze and more.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I do this too, haven’t bought storage/snack bags for awhile. Use all sizes such as bread bags or any other type of bags that are clean when empty, just dump the crumbs.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use the bags from cereal to put between cookies to keep them from sticking together
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use the cereal bags in freezer to store homemade chicken stock or meat as they are not recyclable where I live.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When the weather center reports that a hurricane is coming and the power will likely go out, we fill the bathtub(s) with water in order to flush the toilet. However, you can also “shower” if you take a gallon container and poke holes in the top where the opening is. Fill with water from the tub, put the lid back on and hold the gallon over your head or body ….. sprinkle yourself with water, set the gallon down on its bottom and lather up. Then, rinse yourself off. I did this when the power was out and had to go to an appointment. It worked and I felt better for being clean.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.