I try to make it a point to reuse or repurpose plastic containers whenever I can. Not only is it better for the planet, but it’s an easy way to build up a collection of reusable containers! From yogurt cups to sour cream containers to butter tubs, there is no shortage of store-bought items that are sold in plastic containers. But before I repurpose them, I like to remove the print/ink. It’s mostly just an aesthetic preference, but it also helps me tell the containers apart when I’m using them in the fridge. :-)
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Related: My Top Ten Repurposed Household Containers
How To Remove Print From Plastic Containers
Removing the ink printed on plastic containers is actually really simple! All you need is rubbing alcohol or acetone-based nail polish remover, and some cotton balls or rounds.
Pour a little rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover onto your cotton ball, and wipe it across 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 naked container! Give it a good wash with warm, soapy water, and then it’ll be ready to use. :-)
15 Ways To Reuse Plastic Containers
Now that you have your de-inked and squeaky clean container, what are you going to do with it? It’s up to you, but I’ve got a few ideas to share with you to help you get inspired. ;-)
1. Frozen Foods
Once you’ve opened a bag of frozen veggies or other frozen food, store the unused portion in a plastic container. They’ll keep your frozen foods from accidentally spilling everywhere, and they’re easier to stack than tied-off bags!
2. Bulk Goods
Buying food from the bulk section of your grocery store is a great way to save money, and you can save even more by storing them in repurposed containers! Use a piece of masking tape on the lid or front to identify what’s inside.
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3. Spices
Speaking of bulk goods, smaller containers are great for storing bulk spices! They’re so much cheaper to buy than packaged spices, and less wasteful too. Yogurt containers in particular are perfect for spices, because the mouth of the container is wide enough that you can scoop out the contents with a teaspoon. Easy measuring!
4. Leftovers
I like to send my kids home with leftovers when they come over for dinner, but then I end up giving away all my good storage containers! So I’ve started using repurposed containers to pack up leftovers. It’s quick and easy, and I don’t have to worry about hounding my kids to bring them back. ;-)
5. Drinks
Use a larger container as a spill-resistant drink cup! Just poke a small hole in the lid, slip a straw in, and fill the container with your beverage of choice. You can even take it in the car with you without having to worry about spills.
6. Snacks
Place a small container inside a larger one to make an easy snacking setup! Put your favorite dip in the center cup, and your favorite dipping snack in the space around the center cup.
7. Seedlings
Yogurt cups are a great size for starting seedlings! Just cut the top part of the cup off before planting. This will make it much easier to slide the seedling out when it’s time to transfer it to a larger container.
8. Crayons
Decorate a container with washi tape or craft paper, and use it to store crayons and other art supplies.
9. Office Supplies
Short tubs and containers can help you organize office supplies in your desk drawers. Use them to corral paper clips, rubber bands, binder clips, and more.
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10. Scoop
Use a repurposed container as a scoop for your pet’s food. Use a measuring cup to measure out one serving of food, then pour that amount into the container. Use a marker to mark how full the container is with one serving of food for quick and easy measuring! You can even leave the scoop in the food bag or container so you don’t misplace it.
11. Gifts
You can use small containers to “wrap” small gifts. Just place the gift inside, and decorate the outside with paint, tape, or modpodge to make it cute. :-)
12. Yarn & Ribbon
There’s nothing more frustrating than a tangled mess of yarn or ribbon! Keep it organized by storing your collection in a repurposed container. Just cut holes in the side, then feed your yarn or ribbon through. Pull gently to dispense more yarn or ribbon, and it will stay nice and tangle-free!
13. Fabric Softener
Here’s a method that will make the most out of a bottle of fabric softener. Grab a container, then cut up a clean kitchen sponge into pieces that are small enough to fit inside. Pour fabric softener into the container so that it soaks into the sponge pieces. When you put a load of clothes in your dryer, just grab one of the softener-soaked sponges, squeeze it a bit so that it’s damp but not dripping, and toss it right in with your clothes. You’ll still have soft and static-free clothes, but your bottle of fabric softener will last several times longer than it would have!
14. Compost
Use a repurposed container to store food scraps for your composting. When the container is full, add it to your compost pile, rinse out the container, and start again!
15. Meal Prep
Prepping your meals ahead of time can be a great way to eat healthier on a busy schedule. But you’re going to need a lot of containers to store all that prepped food! If you have a sizable collection of repurpose containers, you’ll have plenty of options for storing your prepped meals.
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bummed-I tried both on a yoplait big container but the ink would not come off :(
It takes some scrubbing, but it works! :-)
Hi there, I tried too with no luck. I tell you what worked for me. I used a small square of very fine sandpaper and dishwashing liquid. Worked like a charm. Thanks Jillee for the inspiration.
Re-using plastic containers of all sorts and sizes is a great travel strategy: Cut apples, oranges or cucumber in a cottage cheese container, with toothpicks taped to the top, are a great snack. You don’t touch the food so your hands stay clean and there’s no risk of picking up germs. I usually put the container in a zip-lock quart sized bag with a napkin – just for estra security against a spill inside my carry-on. TSA has never taken it away. I stay hydrated, avoid salty/sugary snacks onboard, and never have to worry about being unable get something to… Read more »
I have several cats, all of whom like Temptations treats, so I buy both 16 oz. and 32 oz. sizes, depending on which is on sale. I also like Ice Cubes gum, which comes in small plastic containers. All these containers have snap lids that facilitate dispensing. I’d like to find a way to repurpose these sturdy, well-designed containers. Any suggestions beyond what you’ve given in this post? Thanks!
Hi Deb, I bought a huge bag of baking soda at Costco. I used one of my washed 32 oz. cat treat containers to put some of the baking soda in it with a scoop. So much easier to use now.
We do at our house use some of the plastic containers for bringing food to people. It’s much easier than having to worry about getting your nice containers back.,And they can just trash them after.
For people who don’t want to use them for food, There are plenty of other options in her list for non food things. They are also great for dirty craft things that you don’t want to clean up. Like plaster, you can mix a little plaster and water to patch holes in the walls or to pour into molds for projects then when you are done just toss the container. or paper mache projects. just toss the sticky glue coated container. or if you need to recycle it let the glue dry then pick it off and put the container… Read more »
Wow – great little tip for how to remove the label. I usually recycle my containers, but I might reuse them if I can get those labels to wipe clean. They can work well inside of larger drawers as dividers as well.
How do you close the small yogurt cups when storing spices?
Some brands have lids that snap on and off instead of just peeling off.
That one came with a lid! :-)
I sometimes buy frozen meals for one to have on hand when I am just too exhausted to even think about cooking (fibromyalgia). I wash the plastic dish and bring it with me to my art class where we use them as paint trays or for water when using water colors. On a tight budget, we can’t always afford palettes and traditional containers. I would never reuse plastic for food, though.
Using them for palettes is a great idea, Kyle!
Jillee, been doing these many years…But have been around a little bit longer, I would imagine..But to the rest, very informative. But plastice containers take up more space in freezers than laying leftovers etc flat in freezer bags….Anyway, good ideas and have a Great day!
If you must reuse plastic bags or containers in the kitchen, be sure they are food safe. Reuse only once and then RECYCLE. Plastic milk jugs are designed for one-time-use only.