Of all the categories of materials out there, using recyclables to make recycled crafts ranks at the top of our list!
Recycled crafts for kids teach resourcefulness, one of the most important traits any creative person can have. Not only that, they teach kids how things are made, the different materials we use in products, and how these materials impact our planet.
In this post we’ll cover why we love using recyclables in creative projects, the best materials to save, and share a GIGANTIC list of projects to try organized by material!
Why Recycled Materials Rock:
- They teach resourcefulness. Using recycled materials forces kids to think of new ways to use a common material or product. It’s the ultimate creative challenge to transform something made for one purpose into something entirely new.
- They are free or cheap! Why buy materials when you can reuse something that would have otherwise gone in the recycling bin? Raiding the bin for project supplies is a great way to save money and time.
- It’s an introduction to the environmental impact of our choices. The materials a product is made from have an impact on our environment both positively and negatively. None us are 100% perfect in our choices, but by learning about materials, which ones decompose and which do not, we can begin to teach kids about making responsible choices in the products they buy.
The Best Recycled Materials to Hoard
Once you start using recycled materials in projects you may find yourself turning into a hoarder…that’s okay! I have a few bins dedicated entirely to recycled materials in my garage. It’s a good idea to collect and store materials in bins so that you can keep everything organized and not drive your family crazy.
It also can take time to build up a stash of certain materials so having a dedicated area to store them will help you find them down the line. Case in point: I spent 6 months collecting coffee cans for our camp (and drank lot of coffee) and each time I was done with a can I threw it in a bag in the garage.
How to use this list:
To see projects for each recyclable, click on the material links below to be taken to the project ideas section in this post.
- Cardboard
- Cardboard Tubes
- Boxes
- Plastic Caps
- Plastic Lids
- CDs
- Bottles
- Tin Cans
- Coffee Cans
- Bubble Wrap
- Egg Cartons
- Straws
- Styrofoam
- Plastic Baskets
- Disposable Baking Trays
- Plastic Cups
- Plastic Cutlery
- Milk Cartons
- Corks
- Packing Peanuts
- Plastic Bags
- Paper Bags
- Cereal Boxes
- Paper
Recycled Crafts Idea List
This list is long because there are so many amazing projects out there featuring recycled materials!
General Recyclables Crafts
The following projects combine various materials you find in your recycling bin into new and amazing creations!
Cardboard Crafts
Not only is cardboard readily available, it is by far the MOST requetsed material by our students! I think the fact that it isn't precious combined with it's sturdiness makes it a favorite material for kids to experiment building with.
Cardboard Tube Crafts
When you say recycled materials, this is the one most kids (and adults) think of first! Tubes can be turned into so many amazing creations! Be sure to use clean tubes!
Box Crafts
When I was a kid we used to use appliance boxes to make a GIANT village! My grandfather lived beside and alleyway so there were aways big boxes available. Boxes cab ne turned into so many things, from forts, to theaters to dollhouse...the possibilities are endless!
Cans and Metal Crafts
Metal makes a long lasting and durable craft material! Use it for stilts to planters and more!
Egg Carton Crafts
I'm always amazed at what you can make with egg cartons!
Cereal Boxes Crafts
Cereal boxes are made from chipboard which is easier to cut than cardboard and more durable than paper! Save your boxes and use them for all sorts of fun projects.
CD Crafts
Who uses CDs anymore? We do...for crafts that is! Years ago I came upon a stash of blank CDs in my garage (remember when we bought them in bulk) and got right to thinking...what can we make with these?
Recycled Paper Crafts
Paper is one of my favorite art materials by far. Using recyecled paper is even cooler because you can literally turn junk mail, old artrowk, and magazines into somethng new and interesting!
Plastic Bottle Crafts
Coffee Can Crafts
I alwasy save my coffee cans! Their size makes them perfect for DIY toys and more! I would also throw oatmeal containers into this must-save category.
Lids and Caps Crafts
Plastic caps make great wheels, plastic lids are the perfect mold for suncatchers, and bottle caps can be turned into all sorts of decorative items!
Paper Bag Crafts
Save your brown paper bags for masks, costumes, artwork and more!
Plastic Bag Crafts
Even though I try not to use plastic bags, there alwasy seem to be few around. They make a great substitute for yarn and fabric in the crafts below.
Cups Crafts
I save cups for all sorts of things. They are great for storing loose parts or using as paint containers. Beyond their utility they can also be transformed into some pretty cool crafts!
Milk Carton Crafts
We have made so many things out of cartons in the past. Because they are waterproof and sturdy they make a great base for birdhouses/feeders and other outdoor projects!
Bubble Wrap Crafts
Save that wrap! Use it for art or sensory play!
Styrofoam Crafts
Styrfoam makes the best stamps and prints...save it!
Cork Crafts
I always save corks because kids love crafting wth them. They are strong yet lightweight and they float!
Crafts Featuring Unusual Recyclables
The project below feature a few more unusual recycled materials...what other materials can you make something from?
Making recycled materials crafts is a wonderful way to teach kids how to be resourceful and inventive but also to think about the choices we make as consumers. I hope this massive list of projects leaves you inspired AND reflective about the everyday materials we use.
This page will be bookmarked forever for me! You know Ana, there’s enough activities here to get an entire army of families, through at least a year of art activities, at least one per day?! This is such a great resource! Shared on all my social media too for everyone to enjoy! Thank you for your time and energy putting this list together
(PS Merry late Christmas & early Happy New Year!😉)