How to Recycle Candy Tins

Candy and mints often come in small metal tins with hinged lids and pop-tops. Some are round, others square or rectangular, most small enough to tuck in a pocket or purse. When empty, these tins seem too worthwhile to drop into the trash, but are they too small to be of any real use? No, and you can give those cute little tins a real chance at a second life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Organize sewing gear like snaps, button, sequins and beads. Label the lids or glue a sample of the contents of each tin to the lid for easy identification.
2. Make an emergency sewing kit to tuck into your purse, briefcase or office drawer. Include a couple of needles, thread and a few buttons for quick repairs.
3. Store broken jewelry that you plan to have repaired one day. Keep all the small pieces together and safe in a small tin.
4. Prevent necklaces and chain bracelets from tangling by keeping each one in its own individual tin. Keep pairs of small earrings from parting company by storing them together as well.
5. Create a birthday keepsake. Decorate the outside of a candy tin and line it with felt, satin or silk. Find a penny or a silver dollar from the birth year of the recipient, and use copper or silver cleaner to polish the coin before presenting the gift.
6. Keep car fuses in a small tin and pop it into the glove box of your car. You won't have to look around for a spare.
7. Organize workshop accessories like brads, small screws, lock washers and other small items. Round up the items that often clutter up a workbench.