Stop Throwing Away These Household Items and Save Big

The items we throw away daily might have hidden value. Repurposing household items can help save money, reduce waste, and offer practical solutions. Before throwing something out, consider these smart ways to give it new purpose.

Glass Jars

Those empty pasta sauce or pickle jars don’t need to always end up in the recycling bin. Use them to store pantry staples like rice, sugar, or coffee beans. They’re also perfect for homemade candles, DIY gifts, or even as planters for small succulents. With an airtight lid, they can preserve homemade dressings or pickles, extending their usefulness beyond just storage.

Old Towels

Worn-out towels can still serve a purpose. Cut them into squares and use them as reusable cleaning rags for counters, mirrors, and spills. For pet owners, they’re great for drying off wet furry friends or as added padding in pet beds. Keep a small stash in your car trunk for unexpected cleanups.

Egg Cartons

Egg cartons aren’t trash—they’re seed starter kits waiting to happen. Fill the cups with soil and plant seeds, then transfer sprouts to the garden. For craft lovers, they make great kid-friendly art supplies—painted decorations or organizers for beads and small toys. They’re compact, lightweight, and endlessly versatile.

Wine Bottles

Empty wine bottles make chic home accents. Use them as tall flower vases or create a rustic centerpiece with fairy lights inside. Turn them into self-watering plant systems by flipping them upside-down into soil-filled pots. Their sturdy build and aesthetic charm make them perfect for a second act.

Old Clothing

That stack of old T-shirts isn’t just clutter. Turn them into no-sew shopping totes, rags for cleaning, or even braided rugs. Soft fabric pieces can work as quilt patches or stuffed with filling to create custom cushions or dog beds. Repurposing clothes extends their life while reducing textile waste.

Broken Electronics

Instead of tossing broken gadgets, salvage usable parts. Cables, screws, and buttons can help fix future devices. For items beyond repair, find an e-waste recycler nearby or take them to collection drives. Repurposing electronics responsibly keeps harmful materials out of landfills.

Shoes

Worn-out shoes don’t have to end up in the garbage. Many cobblers can repair soles, reattach straps, or fix zippers at a fraction of replacement costs. Use old, clean shoes as quirky storage containers for seeds or tools in the garden. Sneakers can even make lightweight planters for small herbs.

Furniture

Scuffed or chipped furniture can easily be revitalized. Sand down a scratched surface and add a fresh coat of paint or stain to breathe new life into old tables or chairs. If you need to part with pieces, consider donating or selling—they could be someone else’s DIY dream project.

Plastic Bags

A drawer full of plastic bags isn’t a waste. Use them as liners for smaller trash bins, or twist them together to make a DIY jump rope. Many crafting projects call for plastic to weave into mats, tote bags, or even reusable storage solutions. They’re functional with a bit of innovation.

Shampoo Bottles

Empty shampoo and conditioner bottles are perfect for household hacks. Clean them thoroughly, then repurpose them as dispensers for other liquids like dish soap. Cut them to make funnels or organizers for desk supplies like pens or keys. Even kids’ art projects can benefit from these durable containers.

Batteries

Dead batteries don’t belong in the garbage—they can leak hazardous materials into the ground. Instead, take them to a recycling facility where they’ll be processed properly. Consider switching to rechargeable batteries for future savings, reducing waste for good.

Greeting Cards

Don’t toss heartfelt greeting cards. Cut out designs to make gift tags or frame handwritten messages for simple home decor. They’re also great for scrapbooking if you’re crafting memorable keepsakes. With a few snips, they transform from clutter to creative assets.

Cans

Tin cans once holding food can streamline storage. Use them as pencil holders, compartments for DIY candles, or mini planters for fresh herbs. Decorate them to create personalized holders that make excellent gifts or decorations for a workspace. They’re useful and sturdy additions to your home arsenal.

Cardboard Boxes

Before breaking them down, use cardboard boxes for storage, fort-building with kids, or even as makeshift drawer organizers. They can also double as weed barriers in gardens—lay them down under mulch to keep weeds at bay while improving soil health.

Worn Rugs

Got frayed rugs lying around? Turn them into runners for smaller hallways or cut pieces into unique placemats. Larger sections of well-loved rugs can be turned into comfy pet beds with a bit of stitching and fluff support. They still have plenty to offer your home!

Expired Makeup

While products safe for skin might be out of use, their containers aren’t. Thoroughly rinse makeup plastic cases and use them for storing pins, small beads, or sewing needles. Save wax-based items for artistic projects involving color mixes on dry surfaces instead.

Used Candles

Save leftover candle stubs for DIY wax melting. Combine remnants from several candles to create your own unique scent-blended candles at home. Reuse attractive jars or containers those poured residues originally came scent-wrapped from too afterward.

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