Oh yes! Tuna cans are truly treasures in the household, if we approach them with a little creativity and practicality! Their small size, stability and metal material make them infinitely versatile. Before we throw them away (although they can be recycled at local metal scrap collection points here in Ternopil!), let’s think about what else we could use them for.
The most important step: wash and dry the cans thoroughly, and make sure they have no sharp edges, especially if you used a traditional can opener!
Don’t throw away tuna cans! They are worth their weight in gold at home: Here’s how to recycle them!
- Kitchen Organizers and Tools:
Cutlery Drawer Holder: Decorate them with paint, paper or fabric and use them to organize cutlery in the drawer so that they don’t roll around.
Baking tins for mini portions: You can make mini quiches, muffins (line with paper!), or even unique mini bread puddings in them. Don’t forget to grease them!
Spice rack: Stick them on a magnetic surface and store frequently used spices on the kitchen counter.
Tea bag or coffee capsule holder: A painted box can be used to store tea bags or coffee capsules aesthetically. - Creative Home Decoration and Gifts:
Mini candle holders / candle holders: This is one of the most popular uses. Clean the box, maybe spray it with heat-resistant paint, then insert a tea light. You can also make a perforated version of them by carefully punching holes in the side of the box according to patterns, so that the light filters through. They can be ideal for cozy garden evenings in Ternopil.
Mini flower pots / succulents home: Paint or decoupage patterns on them, then plant small succulents, cacti or small flowers in them. You can put a layer of pebbles in the bottom of the box for drainage.
Stationery holder: Decorate them however you like and keep pens, pencils and scissors in them on the table. You can also glue several boxes together to get more compartments.
Jewelry holder: You can create elegant little containers for rings and earrings by painting or covering them with fabric. You can even make small dividers in them from cardboard.Christmas decorations: Paint them, put ribbon on them and make unique Christmas tree decorations or mini gift boxes from them.
Mini gift wrapping: Small gifts (e.g. sweets, jewellery) can have creative and recycled packaging. - Useful Tools in the Workshop and Garden:
Storing screws, nuts and washers: Perfect for organizing small parts in the garage or workshop. You can even label them.
Paint can: If you only need a little paint for a small repair, pour the paint into the can and use the can as a container.Garden labels: If you coat it with a durable material (like varnish) and write on it with a waterproof marker, you can cut out the sides of the can to make small garden labels for your vegetable garden.
Bird feeder or bird feeder (for smaller birds): Drill out the bottom, secure it to a stable base, and fill it with water or bird food.
Tips for Safe Recycling:
Edgeless can opener: If you have a “smooth edge” can opener that doesn’t leave sharp, jagged edges, that’s best.Sanding: If you used a traditional opener and it has a sharp edge, carefully sand it down with sandpaper or cover it with thick tape before using it, especially if children may come into contact with it.
Priming and painting: Using a primer spray for metal surfaces will help the paint adhere better and last longer.
Creative finishes: You can use the decoupage technique with napkins or newspaper, glue yarn, lace, fabric, or even small pebbles or shells on it.
See? A simple tuna can can hide so many valuable things! All it takes is a little imagination and manual dexterity
