How to Recycle Film Canisters

Film canisters are quickly becoming a thing of the past as digital photography pushes 35 mm film out of the way, but the canisters that hold rolls of film are still around and can be put to good use. Check with the neighborhood one-hour photo shop for free film canisters, or contact local photographers who may still shoot with 35 mm film, and put the film canisters to good use.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make a cat toy by adding a spoonful of raw rice or a few dry beans to a film canister. Snap on the lid and show the cat the new toy that rattles and rolls.
2. Fashion a dispenser for a roll of postage stamps. Use a utility knife and carefully cut a 1-inch slit from the bottom up on the side of the canister. Insert the roll of stamps and start it through the slit. Pop on the lid and keep the stamps safe and dry.
3. Assemble an emergency sewing kit with a few buttons, a couple of pre-threaded needles with light and dark threads, a few small safety pins and a couple of straight pins. Make several kits and keep one in a purse, gym bag, desk drawer, briefcase or shaving kit.
4. Use film canisters to take along a few doses of medication on an overnight trip. Separate different medications in individual canisters and label each one. Use a peel and stick label to indicate the medication and dose.
5. Carry change for the coin laundry or toll booth. Put a stack of quarters or smaller coins in a film canister and tuck it in the laundry bag or your car's glove box.
6. Transport an individual serving of favorite salad dressing or other condiments to a restaurant in a leak-proof film canister. Carry favorite spices in individual film canisters for camping trips or use in the RV.
7. Keep an empty film canister in your locker or gym bag for jewelry. Before a workout, stow earrings and rings and keep them safe.

Tips & Warnings

• Film canisters are not meant for long-term storage for medication or food.