Reusing things that you might otherwise throw in the garbage is a great way to be frugal. It can also help cut down on how much you’re contributing to the landfill. And while we’re certainly not advocating that you go as extreme as those fine folks over on Extreme Cheapskates, there is a time and place for getting crafty in what you do with various odds-n-ends around the house.
If you want to save money and also get plenty of use out of what others consider garbage, here are some things you might find in your waste bin that can be repurposed instead of thrown out.
Ice Trays
Ice trays are always one of those seasonal things that can be found in the Targets’ Bullseye’s Playground & Dollar Bin area. And while they are super fun, the excess around the house can mean they wind up on the chopping-block.
The small, separated compartments in the trays make them perfect for storing and organizing small tid-bits instead. Conveniently store your nails and screws, crafting supplies, small random junk-draw contents, or just about anything else to repurpose those trays instead of tossing it in the garbage.
Toothbrushes
Good dental hygiene means swapping out your toothbrush every few months! But don’t be too quick to throw your old brush in the garbage.
Slightly worn-out toothbrushes can make great cleaning tools, helping you get at hard-to-reach areas with ease. Cheap electric toothbrushes work even better, taking on a little more of the elbow-grease needed to get a true shine.
Old Clothes
While it may not be in-style or in-size to wear anymore, think twice about throwing out any old clothes.
Any garment can be repurposed into a fashionable accessory with the right tools and a little DIY know-how. Checkout some of these creative and fun finds over on lifehack.org!
An even easier option would be to use old clothes as rags for cleaning. This is much cheaper than going out and buying dishrags separately.
Coffee Bag Ties
I know – but hear me out!
Many bags of coffee have heavy-duty ties that keep the bag sealed airtight to keep the product fresh. While you could throw them in the garbage without a second thought, these versatile little ties can help you stay organized. Keep wires, cords, or ropes untangled by bundling them before storage. They also make great little garden helpers to keep plants supported!
To-Go Coffee Cups
Don’t trash that disposable coffee cup, either!
Most of these cups make great little starter pots that you can put seeds and soil in to start your garden indoors! Especially if your coffee place uses eco-friendly cups that are compostable. You can put the whole container in the ground once the seedling is ready to go out into the world.
Peanut Butter Jars
And jelly jars. And baby food jars…really, anything with a good lid!
If you like doing DIY projects, you probably know what a hassle it can be when small odds and ends such as bolts or fastenings go missing. Use old jars to store small items. You can even screw the lids into the bottom of your workbench shelf to make it super accessible!
Milk Crates
A truly classic upcycled storage bin.
If you don’t have any shelving that can fit into a tight space where you need storage, old milk crates can be repurposed to do the job. Screw them into wall studs and you’ll have sturdy and plentiful storage that can easily be organized with different compartments.
Socks
The perfect duster!
Dusting in difficult-to-reach places, like the space in between blinds on a window, can be made a whole lot easier by using an old pair of socks. Just slip them over your hands and use them to brush the space in between the blinds. Your old socks will get a new purpose, and your house will be more dust-free than ever before.
We suggest using your husbands socks, since they are bigger and he already doesn’t care what they look like.
Vintage Bottles
Farmhouse and vintage chic are in!
Glass bottles have an old-fashioned charm to their appearance. Why not make the most of them by using them as accent pieces in your home? Turn these eclectic little finds into scent diffusers that look as good as they smell.
Simply fill the bottle with a 3:1 mix of water and rubbing alcohol, then add your favorite essential oil.
There are plenty of things you might be throwing in the garbage that can be given a new purpose to reuse instead.
For everything else, let our residential trash pickup service dispose of it so you don’t have to deal with the clutter.
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