Did you know that aluminum cans for soda can be recycled over and over again? Recycling cans not only saves resources, but also uses less energy than making new cans from virgin resources.
But before you toss your cans in the recycling, are you ready to start a reuse project? We’ve put together a list of projects that range from easy and practical to reusing aluminum cans to challenging and downright adventurous.
Before you begin, please be careful as aluminum is sharp and can cut you. This project is not for children. And recycle aluminum scraps from your projects!
1. Light remodeling
If you’re looking for unique decorations, check out here pop top lamp Contributed by Sean from the Make community. All you need for this project is soda can tabs, a few basic tools, and lampshade top and bottom hooks. So, once you’ve hung up the tab, recycle your cans. With a little effort and a lot of patience and time, you will have a distinctly stylish “chain mail” lampshade.
What you need: Soda can tabs (more than 100), pliers, flat screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, side cutter, top and bottom lampshade hooks
2. Take it to the bank
Literally put the can back in your wallet. Instructables explain how. Create an RFID-proof soda can wallet Two cans and some packing tape. Remember to wash off any sticky residue from the can and be careful of sharp edges.
What you need: Aluminum cans (2), hobby knife/scissors, packaging tape/duct tape, felt-tip pen, sandpaper
during wallet chain It might not be your style, but I thought using soda cans was a very easy and creative idea. This requires drinking a lot of pop, at least 132 cans depending on the length of the chain. Instructables suggests visiting your local recycling center if you want to skip consuming obscene amounts of soda.
What you need: Soda can tab (132-152), sturdy wire cutter, key ring (1-2)
3. The heat has begun
Those attempting this project should exercise extreme caution. Instructables provides step-by-step instructions for making them. Full-featured stove From two aluminum cans. Although the project may seem complicated, the materials needed are basic and can be found in the average household.
Bonus: The stove’s portability makes it ideal for your next camping trip. And forget the hot plate. This stove is small enough to fit into even the smallest studio apartment.
What you need: Aluminum cans (2), utility knife or single-edged razor blade, fluor tape or thick aluminum foil, tacks or tacks and nails or drill, marking pen, ruler, thick book, denatured alcohol for fuel.
optional: hammer and scissors
4. Holiday decorations
So you’ve finally climbed into the attic and dusted off the boxes of holiday decorations, only to discover that the ceramic Santa has broken some of your favorite glass ornaments. Instead of wasting time and money shopping for new decorations, head to the recycling bin. Daisy, in a small house in the suburbs, offers to create. Original ornament made from aluminum cans.
What you need: Aluminum cans, scissors, sandpaper, pens or pencils, nails, ribbon, string
5. Girl’s best friend
I couldn’t find a guide on how to make your own diamonds (I want one!), but this tutorial by Rena Klingenberg shows that you should make them yourself. stylish earrings In aluminum cans. The composition is simple, but an artistic eye will help. Use acrylic paint to customize earrings to match your mismatched purple cardigan.
What you need: Aluminum can, kitchen scissors, safety glasses and protective gloves, decorative paper punch, paper punch or jewelry punch with small holes, earring hook, jump ring, chain nose/flat nose pliers, ultra-fine Sharpie marker, small charm.
optional: Acrylic paint, finishing varnish
6. Stylish tote bag
Although there may be sustainable and reusable bags made from recycled plastic, hemp or recycled fabric. pop can tab wallet? Add some fun to your shopping trip with this project from Craftster. You’ll need to do some sewing and crocheting, so if you don’t have any experience, it may be helpful to bring along a how-to book.
Instructables change This bag uses a T-shirt for the lining and bamboo for the handle.
What you need: Aluminum cans (10), scissors, paper hole punch, sports thread, size “H” crochet hook, sturdy fabric (e.g. denim), sewing machine.
7. My little light
Tea light candles create a cozy atmosphere for any occasion, from a dinner party to cuddling with your favorite novel. Add a special touch to your lighting. Lantern and tea light holder Made from aluminum cans. The design of the holder may seem complicated, but it is a simple project. All you need is a steady hand and a few craft tools. Check out DIY Everywhere. Step-by-step instructions And a how-to video. We recommend wearing protective gloves as the design involves cutting the can with a sharp blade.
What you need: Aluminum can, can opener, pumice/sandpaper, precision knife, wire (30cm), wire cutter, votive candle
8. Get organized
Can’t find your pen when you need it? Pick up some colorful, empty soda cans to create something creative. pen holder. If you want, you can “make it interesting” by covering the can with construction paper and adding a personal design using markers, paint, or other craft materials. Regular soda cans are lightweight, so add a magnet or glue a flat piece of wood to keep the holder upright when full of pens.
What you need: Aluminum cans, can openers, hammers, heavy objects (magnets, etc.)
optional: Markers, paint, construction paper, scissors, glue
9. Direct recycling
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can try recycling the aluminum in your cans in a much more direct way. melt them Reuse aluminum yourself!
If you have a decent kiln and crucible, you can turn old aluminum cans into beverage holders or whatever else you like. Clean and dry the can thoroughly and make sure there is no residue before starting.
What you need: Aluminum cans, kilns (wood, gas, electricity), crucibles (steel, etc. with a higher melting point than a furnace), heat-resistant gloves, tongs, and a mold for pouring aluminum.
10. Aluminum (can) siding.
One person has taken reuse to a level that others can claim to have reached. Tired of mowing his lawn, John Milkovisch began creating unique landscape shapes by embedding marble, rock and metal pieces into concrete. When the yard was completely covered, he started to return home.
For the next 18 years he covered the house He turned about 50,000 beer cans into aluminum siding, wreaths and curtains. His efforts also lowered his energy bills. you can do it today Visit the Beer Can House See what his years of hard work have accomplished in Houston.
What you need: Aluminum cans (over 50,000), concrete, cedar, additional metal scrap, rock, marble, construction knowledge, community teamwork, and years of patience.
Raquel Fagan and Taylor Ratcliffe contributed to this article.
Featured image courtesy of: Ken Ishikawa
Editor’s note: This article was first published on November 23, 2009 and updated in September 2024.
