How to Recycle and Reuse Cardboard Paper Towel Roll Tubes with Crafts, Games, Activities, and Other Uses

Empty paper towel tubes can be reused and recycled into crafts, toys, and so much more. Here some ideas to reuse and recycle them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet Access
• Printer
• Printer Paper
• Optional: 3-ring binder and 3-hole punch

1. Make a rain stick and combine it with a weather or music activity. For instructions on how to make one, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.kid-at-art.com/htdoc/lesson44.html

2. Make a Papier Mache Dinosaur Bone Craft. After the craft is made, read books about dinosaurs. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link in resources below) and enter: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/dinosaurs/dinobone/

3. Make a Totem Pole Craft. Combine this activity with any lessons involving Native American Indians. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/na/totempole/

4. 
   Instead of a Scarecrow, we made a

   Make a Scarecrow craft during October. This is an easy craft for young children. They can decorate them in so many ways. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/cardboard_tube_scarecrow.shtml

5. For Thanksgiving, cut a paper towel tube into three pieces, and make Pilgrims and Indians. For instructions and a photo, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.familycorner.com/family/kids/crafts/cardboard_tube_pilgrim_indian_thanksgiving_crafts.shtml

6. Make a Box Guitar. This is a fun craft for teaching kids about music and musical instruments. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link for making a box guitar provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/Boxguitar.shtml

7. Make a Modular Modern House with paper towel tubes as pillars. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web site to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/homecrafts/a/blmodularhse.htm

8. Make an Easter Mobile with a Christian Message. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.dltk-holidays.com/easter/meastermobile.html

9. Make Elephant Trunks for a handmade costume. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/zoowildanimals/l/blelecraft1.htm

10. Make an Uncle Sam Decoration for the 4th of July. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Holidays/C0298_uncleSam.asp

11. Make a Tubular Cowboy Craft. For instructions and photo, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Toys/C0696_tubularCowboy.asp

12. Make a Spaceship Craft for a creative toy. Combine this craft project with any lesson on rockets, astronauts, or space. For instructions, copy and paste the following Web address to your computer's address bos (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.highlightskids.com/Express/Crafts/Toys/C0602_spaceship.asp

13. Use them to store posters, or other papers rolled up inside them. It will keep papers and posters from being damaged, and is a nice way to transport them if you are moving.

14. Let the kids use them for play megaphones. Kids can have hours of fun indoors or outdoors with them.

15. Use them for a pretend spy glass. Younger children can be so creative with this simple item. Read stories about pirates and give them a paper towel tube to decorate and play with.

16. Read Reader's Digest's online article that gives several different household uses for paper towel tubes. For the online article. Copy and paste the following Web address in your address box (or click on the link provided in resources below) and enter: http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/extraordinary-uses-for-cardboard-tubes/article23778.html

Tips & Warnings

• Ask friends and neighbors to save you paper towel tubes.
• Keep a bag or box near the kitchen area to collect your paper towel tubes.
• Save rubber bands from fresh vegetables.
• Use caution when using scissors, hot glue gun and other supplies with children.

Resources

• Totem Pole Craft
• Scarecrow Craft
• Educational Activity for Earth Day - Make a Rain Stick
• Make a Box Guitar
• Dinosaur Bone Craft
• Modular Modern House Craft
• Easter Mobile with Christian Message
• Make elephant trunks
• Indoor Croquet Game
• Uncle Sam Decoration
• Ponytail Barrettes
• Tubular Cowboy Craft
• Spaceship Craft
• Recycling Cardboard Tubes
• Reader's Digest - Extraordinary Uses for Cardboard Tubes
• How to make Pilgrim and Indian Thanksgiving paper towel tube crafts