21 Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Milk Jugs and Cartons

On America Recycles Day, which is observed on November 15, we started thinking about what to do with all those milk jugs and cartons after they’re empty. Of course you can simply wash them out and deposit them in a recycling bin or at a recycling center. But you can also upcycle, or create a new use for your empty jugs and cartons, with some of these fun and useful possibilities:
MILK JUG CRAFTS
LIGHTS
lanterns, what a bright idea
indoor chandeliers
outdoor chandeliers
WATERING JUG
keep your plants happy and well watered with this easy project
KITCHEN COMPOST HOLDER
use empty jugs to upcycle food scraps into compost
SCOOP
here’s one of many ways to turn your used jug into a handy scoop
GARDENING MADE EASY
sow your seeds
grow an herb garden
start a mini greenhouse
BIRD FEEDERS
functional
fashionable, this is for the birds … literally
SUPPLIES CADDY
here’s a helpful little caddy for your school, desk or craft supplies
FUN GAMES
play a game of catch with yourself
or with a friend
PIGGY BANK
start saving money by making a piggy bank instead of buying one
ARTS AND CRAFTS
explore your crafty side with fun projects like this igloo
a storm trooper helmet
a skeleton
or a gift basket
MILK CARTON CRAFTS
GINGERBREAD HOUSE
‘tis the season to make some fun gingerbread houses
ICE BLOCKS
freezing your own ice blocks is very cool, indeed
PLANTER
make yourself a mini box garden
BIRDHOUSE FEEDER
it’s a house and feeder – one stop shopping for birds
FLOWER VASE
whether as a stylish vase
or centerpiece, who knew old milk cartons could look this good?
PAINT POTS
keep these paint pots in mind for your home improvement project or your kid’s next masterpiece
DESKTOP SUPPLY HOLDERS
cut the cartons, then cut the clutter with these handy holders
WALLET/COIN PURSE
if you can make wallets out of duct tape, why not milk carton wallets?
TOY CRAFTS
have some fun making these toys, from trucks
to building blocks
CANDLES
this bright idea upcycles cartons and crayons into candles
Last but not least, here’s one bonus idea that can utilize milk cartons, jugs or both. Start collecting cartons and jugs now to participate in the 2017 Royal Rosarians Milk Carton Boat Race on June 25. Each jug supports approximately 8 pounds, while sealed cartons support 4 pounds. Here’s a short video showing how to build your own boat.
NOTE: The links in this article are shared for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council.