How to Recycle Metal Jar Lids

Glass jars are easy to recycle and reuse around the house. They are made to last, but every now and then one breaks. If you break a glass jar and find yourself throwing away the metal lid with the broken glass, think again. The lids of glass jars can be just as useful as the jar itself, so recycle your metal lids in a variety of fun and useful ways.

Instructions

1. Recycle your old metal lids into conveniently sized paint palettes. For decorative painting or touch-ups around the house, an old lid is the perfect handheld size for those little jobs.

2. Turn your old metal lids into candle holders. You can pack a few jar lids just as they are for your next camping trip for extra light or your insect repelling candles. Or, decorate your metal lids with hot glue and ribbon, beads or other decorations for unique candle holders for your home or gifts.

3. Paint the outside edge of an old metal lid any way your like and protect the finished masterpiece with a coat or two of lacquer. Cut a piece of cork to fit inside the lid, and use the old metal jar lid as a one-of-a-kind coaster.

4. Preserve food and drinks longer in the refrigerator with an old metal lid. If you only want half a piece of fruit, place the uneaten portion face-down inside of an old metal lid and keep it in the refrigerator. Metal lids are also the perfect size to cover a glass of milk or juice.

5. Cut biscuits or cookies with a deep metal lid. Dip the lid into flour and tap the top with your finger so that the excess falls off and press it into the dough for the perfect shape and size.

6. Save your old metal lids for kid's crafts. The creative minds of children can find a way to recycle just about anything. With some imagination, a hot glue gun and some decorative supplies, you can turn those old jar lids into picture frames, refrigerator magnets, ornaments or even treasure boxes.