RECYCLING PART IV - REPURPOSING

Before you throw it out or recycle, can it be used for something else?

Repurpose - to give a new purpose or use to (as per Merriam-Webster).  Why not use your garbage for something else rather than needlessly adding it to a landfill? There are so many ways to repurpose items I couldn't possibly include them all.  However, I think I put together a pretty nice assortment of  possibilities!  

Slide Show of Repurposing Possibilities  
Links to all items in the slide show can be found below.  I apologize if you have any problems with the links due to circumstances beyond my control.  Links can also be found on my Pinterest Board Repurposing.

Repurposing from the Kitchen

• Silverware - Check out 5 Ideas To Repurpose Old Silverware as Wall Hooks
  
• Cookie Sheet - Turn it into a Checkerboard or a Magnetic Memo Board
  
• Rolling Pins - Make them into Bookends
  
• Plastic Spoons - Create a beautiful Wall Clock or Mirror
  
• Soda Bottles - Make adorable Apple Gift Boxes
  
• Assorted Plastic Food Containers - Create awesome Carrying Containers with crochet handles
  
• Honey Bear - Turn it into a Night Lamp
  
• Tin Cans - Combine them to make a cute Tin Man or a Silverware Holder
• Folgers Coffee Container - Make into Canisters or Print Free Labels and store small toys & other items

Repurposing Out of the Closet

• Sweater - Make it into a Christmas Treat Bag
• Sweatshirt - Create an adorable Pet Bed
  
• T-shirts - Weave them into a Rug
• Mens Dress Shirt - Make it into a Baby Girl Dress
  
• Denim Jeans - Sew a Waist Apron & a Bucket Caddy for gardening

Repurposing Old or Damaged Furniture

• Baby Crib - Make it into a Chalkboard or a Quilt Hangar
  
• Table - Turn it into a Tufted Ottoman or a Dog Bed
  
• Wardrobe - Turn it into a Dollhouse
  
• Nightstand - Becomes  a Play Tool Bench
  
• TV Entertainment Center - Becomes an Adorable Play Kitchen
  

Repurposing Old Toys

• Troll Doll - Make it into a Planter
  
• Dolls - Turn them into Scary Halloween Decorations
  
• Plastic Dinosaurs - Become cool Book Ends
  

Repurposing Other Household Items

• Books - Turn then into a Secret Safe or a Lamp
  
• Broken Plastic Lattice Bin - Make it into an Easter Basket
• Damaged CD's or DVD's - Make a Birdbath or a Disco Ball
• Plastic Cleaning Bottles - Make Napkin Holders (or small gift bags)
  
• Paint Chip Cards - Create Bookmakers
  
• #6 Plastic - Use to make  Shrinky Dinks

Repurposing Outdoor Items

• Tires - Make them into Swings, Planters, or Ottomans
  
• Garden Hose - Make into a Garage or Garden Rug
  
• Trampoline - Create a Swinging Bed/Lounger
  
• Bike Rims - Create an outdoor Gardening Dome
  

Check out our Pinterest Repurposing Board for many more great  ideas!

Remember, think about what else you might be able to use it for before throwing it away!

THIS IS POST NUMBER FOUR (IV) IN A SIX (VI) PART RECYCLING SERIES.  COMING SOON: RECYCLING PART V: TRY REUSABLES INSTEAD!

CHECK OUT THE PAST RECYCLING POSTS HERE:

• Recycling Part I: At Home Basics
• Recycling Part II: Oddball Items
• Recycling Part III: Selling & Donating

Check our our Minimizing Household Waste page on our Website!

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