Did you know that the aluminum cans soda comes in can be recycled over and over again? Recycling cans not only conserves resources, it also uses less energy than making new cans from virgin materials.
But before you send your cans for recycling, are you ready for a reuse project? We’ve compiled a list of projects to reuse aluminum cans, ranging from easy and practical to challenging and adventurous.
Before you begin, please be aware that aluminum is sharp and can cut, these projects are not intended for children, and that any aluminum scraps from these projects should be recycled.
1. A light makeover
If you’re looking for unique decorations, check this out Pop Top Lamp Shade From Sean in the Makeup Community. All you need for this project is a soda can tab, some basic tools, and a hoop for the top and bottom of the lampshade. Recycle the can after you hook the tab on. With a little effort and a lot of patience and time, you’ll have a very stylish “chain mail” lampshade.
What you need: Soda can tabs (over 100), pliers, flat head screwdriver, needle nose pliers, side cutters, top and bottom lampshade hoops
2. Take it to the bank
Literally put the can back in your purse. Instructables shows you how Create an RFID-Resistant Soda Can Wallet All you need is two cans and some packing tape – be sure to wash off any sticky residue from the cans and be careful of any sharp edges.
What you need: Aluminum cans (2), hobby knife/scissors, packing tape/duct tape, felt-tip pens, sandpaper
on the other hand, Wallet Chain While this might not be your cup of tea, we thought it was a super easy and creative idea using soda can tabs. You’ll need to drink a ton of soda for this — at least 132 cans, depending on how long your chain is. If you don’t want to drink a ton of soda, Instructables suggests heading to your local recycling center.
What you need: Soda can tabs (132-152), heavy duty wire cutters, key rings (1-2)
3. The heat is building
If you decide to try this project, please exercise extreme caution. Fully functional stove It can be made from two aluminum cans. This project may sound complicated, but the materials needed are basic and can be found in most households.
Bonus: This stove is easy to transport, making it perfect for your next camping trip. Forget about hot plates; this stove is small enough to fit in even the tiniest studio apartment.
What you need: Aluminum cans (2 pieces), utility knife or single-edged razor, chimney tape or thick aluminum foil, thumb tacks or push pins, nails or drill, marker pen, ruler, thick book, denatured alcohol for fuel
optionHammer and scissors
4. Holiday Ornaments
You go up to the attic and clean out your Christmas decoration boxes, only to find that your ceramic Santa has broken his favorite glass ornament. Instead of spending time and money buying new ornaments, you decide to throw them in the recycling bin. Daisy, who lives in a small suburban home, Original ornaments made from aluminum cans.
What you need: Aluminum cans, scissors, sandpaper, pens or pencils, nails, ribbon, or string
5. A Girl’s Best Friend
I couldn’t find a guide to making your own diamonds (I wish there was!), but this tutorial from Rena Klingenberg shows how to make one: Stylish earrings Make earrings from aluminum cans. They’re easy to make but will require some artistic flair. Use acrylic paint to customize earrings to match that hard-to-match purple cardigan.
What you need: Aluminum can, kitchen scissors, safety goggles and protective gloves, decorative punch, small hole punch or jewelry punch, earring hooks, jump rings, chain nose/flat nose pliers, extra tip Sharpie marker, small charms
option: Acrylic paint, finishing varnish
6. Stylish tote bag
You may have a sustainable reusable bag made from recycled plastic, hemp, or recycled fabrics, Pop Can Tab WalletAdd some fun to your shopping with this project from Craftster. You’ll need to sew or crochet, so if you don’t have experience, buying a how-to book might help.
Instructables change This bag has a T-shirt lining and bamboo handles.
What you need: Aluminum cans (10 pieces), scissors, paper hole punch, sports thread, size “H” crochet hook, sturdy fabric (denim, etc.), sewing machine
7. My Little Light
Tealight candles create a cozy ambiance for any occasion, from dinner parties to cuddling up with your favorite novel. Lanterns and Tealight Holders This holder is made from an aluminum can. Although the holder design looks complicated, it’s an easy project. All you need is a steady hand and a few crafting tools. Check it out at DIY Everywhere. Step-by-step guidance There is a video on how to make it. It is designed to cut the can with a sharp blade, so we recommend wearing protective gloves.
What you need: Aluminum can, can opener, pumice stone/sandpaper, utility knife, wire (30cm), wire cutter, candle
8. Get organized
Can’t find a pen when you need one? Make a creative pen out of colorful empty soda cans. Pen holderIf you like, “bling it up” by covering the can with construction paper and adding your own designs with markers, paints, or other craft materials. Typical soda cans are lightweight, so try adding magnets or gluing a flat piece of wood to them to help keep the holder upright when filled with pens.
What you need: Aluminum cans, can opener, hammer, weights (magnets, etc.)
option: Markers, paints, drawing paper, scissors, glue
9. Direct Recycling
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could also try recycling the aluminum in your cans in a more direct way. Melt it Recycle your own aluminum!
With the right kiln and crucible, you can turn aluminum cans into drink holders or anything else you like. Before you begin, make sure your cans are clean, dry, and free of any residue.
What you need: Aluminum cans, kilns (wooden, gas, electric), crucibles (such as those made of steel with a higher melting point than the furnace), heat-resistant gloves, tongs, and molds for pouring the aluminum.
10. Aluminum (can) siding
One man took recycling to a level few others could reach. “Tired of mowing the lawn,” John Milkovich began creating unique landscaping objects out of marble, stone and metal pieces set into concrete. Once his garden was completely covered, he set to work on his house.
For the next 18 years, he Covered the house He transformed an estimated 50,000 beer cans into aluminum siding, wreaths and curtains. His efforts have also lowered his electricity bill. Today, Visit the Beer Can House Let’s look at what his years of hard work have accomplished in Houston.
What you need: Aluminum cans (over 50,000), concrete, redwood, additional scrap metal, rocks, marbles, building knowledge, community teamwork, multiple years, and patience.
Raquel Fagan and Taylor Ratcliffe contributed to this article.
Feature image courtesy Ken Ishikawa
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on November 23, 2009 and updated in September 2024.
