Don’t just throw them out… Recycle plastic bottles by reusing them in these brilliant ways!

Have you ever thought about how much plastic we all use daily? Well, if you look at the amount of plastic leaving your home, you should get a good idea of how much we use it in our lives. It’s rather shocking.

And if you want to be astonished some more, here are some quick facts for you:

-Each minute, a garbage truck’s worth of plastic pollution ends up in our ocean, and by 2050, there’ll be more plastic in the waters than fish.
-Plastic can last for 450 years… or more.
-Over 90% of fish and birds are believed to have plastic particles in their stomach.
-73% of beach litter is plastic.
-A significant percentage of all this plastic is plastic bottles. In fact, a million plastic bottles are sold EVERY MINUTE. And more than 40% of this is tossed after a single use.
-Only about 9% of the world’s plastic is recycled, and 12% is incinerated. The rest ends up in landfills.

But even though these are all alarming facts, we can make things better. And it begins with some tiny actions starting at home, like cutting down on the plastic we bring into our homes.

As for the plastic already lying around? Let’s use it rather than throw it away! Here are 12 practical ways to recycle plastic bottles in and around your home to maximize the use of those single-use bottles.

Pasta container

Considering all the plastic we use daily, you surely have a couple of bottles lying around. Use them smartly and recycle plastic bottles to create a few pasta dispensers!

If you like spaghetti, you know that storing it can be a challenge due to its shape and size. But this is a brilliant way of storing long pasta like spaghetti and fettuccine without breaking them or leaving them in open packs.

Bird feeder

Here’s your chance to help nature in two remarkable ways: With this project, you can recycle plastic bottles and feed birds in your backyard or balcony.

While it’s true that you’ll need to make a run for some birdseed, all the other materials are probably already hiding somewhere in your kitchen. And you can also get creative with paint colors while you’re at it!

Jewelry stand

Can you believe you can make a jewelry stand if you recycle plastic bottles? Hats off to anyone who can turn trash into a work of art! This one is not only a genius in design but also super helpful! It’s a fantastic way to keep things organized on your dressing table, especially if you don’t have a lot of drawer space.

Simply cut a couple of bottles to the size you prefer and staple them or glue them together in a circle to make a lovely flower pattern. You can even paint them if you wish.

Snack bowl

Most soda bottles have pretty sturdy bases that don’t leak, making them excellent bowls! So the next time you’re having your latest watchathon or weekend Netflix binge session put the candy, nuts and other snacks in a DIY snack bowl you’ve created yourself.

Plastic bag dispenser

Don’t forget that, like repurposing plastic bottles, reusing plastic bags represents another small step toward a more sustainable future. But plastic bags can quickly take over a drawer or broom closet and create chaos in an otherwise organized place.

With this simple solution, you’ll have a convenient and attractive spot for keeping bags contained until you need them. Cut the top of a leftover bottle of soda, puncture a hole through the top rim, slide through your choice of ribbon or string, and hang it in a closet.

You can even create a couple, depending on your needs. Then, hang it in a closet that’s easily accessible when you leave the house to go grocery shopping.

Grains and lentils containers

If you love reusing containers just as much as me, you’ll love this idea! Group similar plastic bottles together to keep things looking neat and pretty for a cohesive look.

You can use bigger bottles for grains and smaller ones for lentils or even cereal and pasta.

Waterproof storage tube

Create a waterproof storage tube made from recycled plastic bottles, and it’ll be the perfect addition to your emergency kit or camping supplies.

It can keep long matches safe and dry, among other things. You can make this convenient container using a short plastic pipe and the mouths and caps of two water bottles.

Drip irrigation

A drip irrigation system is a fantastic water-efficient solution that helps get moisture to a plant’s roots. Now, you should pay top dollar for the installation and materials of a quality irrigation system. But if, like me, you’re on a budget, all you need is a few recycled plastic bottles and a sock.

Simply punch a bunch of holes in a plastic bottle, pop in an old sock, then bury the bottle to the neck and fill it with water every once in a while, which will slowly leak to the surrounding roots.

Strawberry tower reservoir

Growing fresh strawberries in your garden might seem like only a dream if you’re stuck with a tiny spot where bushes have little room to grow. But don’t worry!

You can easily solve this issue by creating a space-saving strawberry tower using recycled plastic bottles. The vertical garden incorporates a built-in reservoir from an upturned plastic bottle so plants stay hydrated correctly.

Path lights

Everyone wants a functional and lovely outdoor space, but installing new landscaping decor can be a huge drain on your wallet. Well, you can create some DIY path lights using recycled plastic bottles if you’re looking for ways to boost curb appeal without burning a hole in your wallet.

Easily assembled from recycled plastic bottles, tea lights, dowels, and a bit of paint, they will significantly impact your next backyard bash.

… Psst! If you want to lend a helping hand, saving the environment, try to replace your water bottles with a reusable version.

There are many great options out there. But here’s one of my favorites from Amazon: IRON °FLASK Camping & Hiking Hydration Flask. It has 3 lids and is leak proof, plus BPA free!

Mobile charging holder

Don’t you wish you had thought of this idea earlier? I love this tip because it’s perfect for rented apartments that are usually short on space and where you can’t drill too many, or not at all, holes in the wall.

It’s such an economical, easy, and simple solution for your phone. Plus, it’s another clever way you can recycle plastic bottles!

Greenhouse

A greenhouse forms the ideal environment for growing plants. But most people don’t have enough space to build one in their backyard. If your seedlings need a little help keeping the cold away, though, you can fake greenhouse conditions if you recycle plastic bottles.

All you have to do is unscrew the cap of the bottle and cut the bottom off a one-liter or bigger version. Then, place it over a plant to keep it warm from frost and safe from rodents.

Do you know of any other recycle plastic bottles uses I haven’t thought of? Let me know in the comments section below. But don’t leave yet!

If you liked this article, I highly recommend also reading: 14 Easy Ways to Give Old Windows a New Life