How to Cut Plastic Bottles for Repurposing

Much of our bottle packaging is made with plastic materials, which can be used as a durable substitute for many projects. I will repurpose a large plastic jug for a pot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic Bottle
• Utility Knife, Screwdriver, or Scissors
• Marker and Ruler
• Coarse Sandpaper (optional)

1. 
    

   Decide where you would like to cut the bottle, depending on it's intended use. I will be making a shallow pot for planting.
   
   If making a perfectly straight cut is desirable you can use a tape measure or ruler to precisely mark where you will cut.

2. 
    

   Their are different ways to go about cutting the bottle. If you have a strong utility knife you can begin cutting along your mark.
   
   A helpful boost to cutting the bottle is to heat the knife over a stove or with a lighter in order to melt the plastic and make the process easier.
   
   You can also heat a screw driver or other metal object to make the initial hole and then use scissors to cut around the rest of the bottle.

3. 
    

   If the bottle has a rough or jagged edge a coarse sandpaper can be used to smooth it out.

Tips & Warnings

• Heating the instrument you use to cut the bottle will make the process easier.

[erikal]

on 8/25/2009 I used to cut off the top, but never did it this way! Great idea!

[yurik]

on 8/12/2009 Good for you!