Stop Throwing Out Old Plastic Food Containers: 10 Brilliant Hacks to Use Them Around the House
Plastic food containers are everywhere in our kitchens. They’re handy for storing leftovers, packing lunches, or organizing small items. But what happens when these containers have outlived their original purpose or you no longer use them for food? Instead of tossing them into the trash and contributing to landfill waste, why not repurpose these plastic containers in clever and useful ways around your home?
Not only does this save money and reduce waste, but it can also help you get organized, solve storage problems, and even boost your DIY and gardening projects.
Below are 10 brilliant hacks to reuse old plastic food containers that you probably have lying around right now. Let’s dive in!
1. Seed Starters for Gardening
If you’re into gardening or want to start a small herb garden indoors, plastic food containers make excellent seed starters.
How to do it:
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Clean your containers thoroughly to remove any food residue.
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If your container has a lid, punch several small holes in the bottom to allow water drainage.
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Fill the container with potting soil.
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Plant seeds according to their depth requirements.
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Use the lid as a mini greenhouse by leaving it slightly ajar or removing it once seedlings sprout.
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Place the container in a sunny window sill.
Why this hack is brilliant:
These containers create a mini greenhouse effect that helps keep soil moist and warm, ideal for seed germination. Plus, the transparent plastic lets you watch root development. Once seedlings grow strong, transplant them outdoors or into larger pots.
2. DIY Drawer Organizers and Dividers
Are your drawers a messy jumble of small items like office supplies, makeup, or tools? Old plastic containers can be chopped or used whole to make simple dividers and organizers.
How to do it:
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Sort your containers by size and shape.
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Clean them and remove any labels.
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Use scissors or a utility knife to cut containers into shapes that fit your drawer.
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Arrange containers in the drawer to separate items like pens, paperclips, lipstick, or screws.
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For smaller containers, use them as mini trays inside larger ones.
Why this hack is brilliant:
This method avoids buying expensive drawer organizers and repurposes materials you already have. Plus, it’s customizable to any drawer size and purpose.
3. Portable Snack or Meal Containers for On-the-Go
Instead of buying new lunchboxes or snack containers, repurpose old plastic food containers to pack your meals or snacks for work, school, or travel.
How to do it:
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Pick containers that have secure lids and are leak-proof.
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Wash them thoroughly.
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Use them to pack salads, sandwiches, cut fruits, nuts, or dips.
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Stack different containers for a multi-compartment lunchbox effect.
Bonus tips:
Label the containers with masking tape and a marker for easy identification in the fridge or bag.
Why this hack is brilliant:
Reusing containers saves money, reduces plastic waste, and lets you customize portion sizes based on your appetite or diet.
4. Miniature Craft Supply Holders
If you enjoy arts and crafts, old plastic containers can be your best friend for organizing beads, buttons, glitter, thread, or paint.
How to do it:
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Sort small supplies by type or color.
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Use clear plastic containers for visibility.
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Label each container clearly.
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Stack them or arrange them on a craft shelf for easy access.
Creative idea:
Turn shallow containers into palettes for mixing paint by adding a few drops of paint inside.
Why this hack is brilliant:
It keeps your craft area neat and reduces the frustration of searching for tiny supplies.
5. DIY Bird Feeder
You can turn a plastic food container into a simple bird feeder with just a few basic tools.
How to do it:
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Clean a medium-sized container.
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Cut a few holes near the bottom sides to allow birds to perch.
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Punch holes in the lid or upper part to thread a string through for hanging.
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Fill the container with birdseed.
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Hang it outside on a tree branch or balcony.
Why this hack is brilliant:
It’s an eco-friendly way to invite birds into your garden and recycle containers at the same time.
6. Paint Storage and Mixing Tray
For home improvement or art projects, small plastic containers are perfect for storing leftover paint or mixing colors.
How to do it:
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Clean your container thoroughly.
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Use it to store leftover paint between coats, preventing drying out.
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Use shallow containers as disposable paint palettes.
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Label the container with the paint color for future use.
Why this hack is brilliant:
You avoid wasting paint and clean-up is easy since the containers are disposable or reusable.
7. Travel Toiletry Containers
Need to pack shampoo, conditioner, lotions, or other toiletries for travel but don’t want to carry large bottles? Use small plastic containers to portion out what you need.
How to do it:
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Wash containers well to remove any food odors.
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Fill them with travel-size amounts of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or even homemade skincare products.
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Use a funnel for easy filling.
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Secure the lids tightly to avoid leaks.
Bonus:
Label each container with permanent marker or masking tape.
Why this hack is brilliant:
It reduces your packing bulk, helps avoid airport liquid restrictions, and keeps your luggage organized.
8. DIY Ice Cube Tray
If you don’t have an ice cube tray handy, old plastic containers can step in to help.
How to do it:
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Clean your container thoroughly.
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Fill it with water or juice.
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Place in the freezer.
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Once frozen, cut or break into cubes.
Bonus idea:
Add chopped herbs, edible flowers, or citrus slices to the water for fancy ice cubes to add to cocktails or water.
Why this hack is brilliant:
You save money by not buying a special ice tray and can customize the size and shape of your cubes.
9. Storage for Small Hardware
Plastic containers are great for sorting and storing screws, nails, bolts, washers, and other small hardware items in your garage or toolbox.
How to do it:
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Clean containers thoroughly.
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Label each container clearly with the type or size of hardware.
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Use containers with lids to prevent spills.
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Stack or store them in a toolbox or on shelves.
Why this hack is brilliant:
Keeps your hardware organized, easy to find, and reduces frustration during DIY projects.
10. Lunchbox for Pets or Small Animals
Plastic containers make handy food and water dishes for pets, especially when traveling.
How to do it:
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Clean containers thoroughly.
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Use shallow containers as food or water dishes for dogs, cats, rabbits, or birds.
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For travel, use containers with lids for carrying pet food or treats.
Why this hack is brilliant:
You don’t have to buy special pet bowls for travel, and it’s easy to clean and reuse.
Extra Tips for Reusing Plastic Containers
Cleaning and Safety
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Always wash plastic containers with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly before repurposing.
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Avoid using containers that are cracked or warped as they can harbor bacteria.
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Avoid heating or microwaving reused containers unless you know they are microwave-safe.
Label Removal
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To remove stubborn labels or stickers, soak containers in warm water with a bit of baking soda or vinegar.
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Use rubbing alcohol or an oil-based cleaner to remove sticky residue.
Storage and Stacking
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When not in use, stack containers inside each other to save space.
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Keep lids in a separate container or taped to the bottom of matching containers to avoid losing them.
Why Reusing Plastic Containers Matters
Plastic pollution is a global issue. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in oceans and landfills each year. By reusing plastic food containers, you:
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Reduce the demand for new plastic production.
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Save money by avoiding buying new storage or organizing tools.
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Cut down on household waste and your environmental footprint.
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Encourage a mindset of resourcefulness and sustainability.
Final Thoughts
Old plastic food containers don’t have to be trash. With just a little creativity, they can become practical tools for gardening, organizing, crafting, travel, and more. Next time you’re tempted to throw out an old container, think about these 10 hacks and find a new way to give it life.
If you want, you can also combine hacks—use small containers for seed starting, then once seedlings grow, use larger containers to organize your gardening tools. The possibilities are endless!
Start saving those plastic containers now. Your home, your wallet, and the planet will thank you.
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