There's never going to be a shortage of tin cans in the average American kitchen. Finding uses for them -- or at least for some of them -- is economical and ecologically sound. You don't need to fill up the landfills when you can reuse them in countless ways through household projects.
Use tin cans to keep tables or chairs locked together. Place both legs into tin cans where the legs meet in the middle. This secures the legs. Make sure to choose a can size that allows both legs to fit snugly inside.
2
Nail can lids to the floors to cover up holes in tree houses and camps. Smooth out rough edges. Spray the lids with a rust-preventing paint and then with polyurethane spray to protect them.
Punch one house number per lid with an awl and hang the lids on a rustic fence post for cheap and unusual house numbers.
3
Punch a decorative design into the sides of a can and then punch a hole in the center of the lid. Widen it as needed with tin snips and put it over the fitting of a bulb on a string of lights. Make it too small for the bulb to fit through. Attach the bulbs through the can lids and hang them up. For outdoors, spray with polyurethane or rust-retardant paint.
4
Bake brown breads or bread puddings in cans. Use cans with long pliers over a campfire for throwaway pans. Take them on picnics or beach days for eat-and-toss bowls.
5
Punch holes in a can and sit candles inside for use outdoors. Use tuna cans to keep fried eggs round or to poach eggs by setting them in a skillet of simmering water.
6
Toss metal cans you can't use into your recycling bin if you have a curbside pickup, or take them to a local recycling center.
Tips & Warnings
Be aware that can lids can be very sharp, so wear gloves when punching holds in them.
Missouri's recycling program is overseen by the state's Department of Natural Resources. The state has committed to supporting the implementation and improvement...
Aluminum cans are considered the most valuable beverage containers to recycle. Recycling aluminum cans provides environmental, economic and community benefits.
