The winter holiday festival has come to an end. But after all the inevitable seasonal baking, entertaining, giving, and receiving, have you noticed that you have more than a few aluminum pie pans left over?
The good news, as you may already know, is that aluminum pots are recyclable. But before you throw it away in the recycling bin, it might be a good idea to think about how it could be put to better use. Here are some ideas for reusing and upcycling old aluminum pots, from the practical to the clever.
1. Feed the birds and squirrels
Birds, squirrels, and other wildlife tend to have a harder time finding food during the cold winter months. Give back to the friendly creatures in your garden by making a low-cost feeder from an aluminum pie pan.
Simply place the pot outdoors on a flat surface, weigh it down with garden rocks, and fill it with your favorite birdseed. If the squirrel doesn’t eat it all first, your feathered friend will probably thank you with a chorus or two.
2. Use shaved bread for crafts
Aluminum pots are perfect for crafts, especially for young children. Use it as a paint palette. Or store beads, glitter, and glue in it while you work on projects with the kids.
After your crafting time, wash the pot thoroughly with warm water and dry it. You can then save it for future crafting or put it in the recycling bin.
3. Decorate the hall
If you want your decor to be a little rustic, learn from the old days. In the past, people handmade holiday ornaments From old cans and scrap tin. With a little effort and creativity, you can make your own traditional style ornaments. All you need is an aluminum pan and some basic tools to get the job done.
4. Avoid dirtying candles
Pillar candles tend to drip water, so a large mess will ruin the atmosphere. Before lighting the candle, place an aluminum pie pan under the candle to protect the surface.
If you’re worried that your aluminum pot will interfere with your decor, cut the bottom off with heavy-duty scissors and throw the sides into the recycling bin. The flat aluminum circle is less noticeable but protects your table from wax drips.
5. Feed Fido on the go
Aluminum pie pans are lightweight but fairly durable, making them perfect for on-the-go pet food.
Keep it with your outdoor gear and use it as a food or water bowl on your next camping trip, picnic, or beach excursion.
6. Make a photo frame
SFGate.com contributor Mary Love suggests using a pie pan for: alternative photo frames Or a frame to display your child’s art. Simply paint a plate with craft paint, cut out a circle of your photo and stick it on. Stick the magnet on the back and stick the photo on the refrigerator.
7. Reduce mess during cooking
Networx.com writer Sayward Rebhal suggests using an old pie pan to: basket for roasting vegetables. To prevent vegetables from falling into the coals, cut a few holes in an aluminum pan, fill with vegetables, and place the whole thing on the grill.
Aluminum pots with small holes are also great for reducing mess when frying on the stove. If you have a lot of oil splatters, you can protect yourself and your kitchen from hot cooking oil by simply placing a pie pan over the food in the pan.
8. Cookout tools
Try using an old aluminum pot to protect your hands when toasting food on a stick over the fire while cooking outdoors.
Just make two holes on opposite sides of the pot. Next, thread the stick you use to roast marshmallows or hot dogs through the hole. The aluminum is on one end of the rod and the other end pierces the food. Aluminum creates a heat shield for your hands when holding food over a fire or coals.
9. Garden planter
This is not an idea for reusing pie-sized pots, but I decided to include this because you may also have large aluminum pots that you might want to reuse before recycling.
ThriftyFun.org contributors suggest using an old aluminum roasting pan or loaf pan as a bread plate. garden planter. These large pots can hold multiple seedling pots when you start planting seedlings in the spring. The pot retains water and has a high rim to keep the seedling upright and stable.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on November 27, 2013 and updated in November 2024.
