How to Recycle Cardboard Tubes From Gift Wrap

Empty cardboard giftwrap rolls can be recycled and used for an array of household projects.

Empty giftwrap cardboard tubes can pile up fast, especially after a major holiday when you've wrapped a large amount of presents. Just as the cardboard tubes from toilet paper and paper towel rolls can be re-used, you can recycle your giftwrap tubes in your weekly recycling or use them for household crafts and projects.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Wire hangers
• Extension cords
• Tissue paper
• Rubber bands
• Rice or dried beans
• Washable paint

Instructions

1. Use your scissors to cut the giftwrap rolls into smaller pieces or fold the roll over and put it out with the rest of your weekly paper and plastic recycling. Most recycling centers and services accept and process cardboard, including cardboard tubing and rolls.

2. Cut the giftwrap tube into smaller rolls and stuff each roll with newspaper. You can then use these rolls as easy firestarters for your fireplace or outdoor fire pit.

3. Cut the giftwrap tube into smaller lengths so that it's the length of a wire hanger. Cut each smaller roll lengthwise and place the roll over the hanger. Doing this will allow you to hang dress pants over the hanger without getting creases in the pants.

4. Use the giftwrap rolls to store extension cords. Fold one or several extension cords into smaller lengths and slide them into the roll. This method will keep the cords from getting lost or from getting tangled with one another.

5. Cut the giftwrap roll into smaller tubes. Wrap a piece of tissue paper over one end of the roll and secure the tissue paper to the roll using a rubber band. Place approximately a quarter of a cup of uncooked rice or beans in the tube and close off the open end with tissue paper and a rubber band. You now have a homemade rain stick and can turn the stick over and listen to the sound of "rain" inside.

6. Paint the giftwrap rolls using washable paint and then stand the rolls up on one end and let them dry completely. You can then use your painted roll as a pretend baton or as a play sword.

References

• Chica and Jo: Recycling Leftover Cardboard Tubes
• Make-Stuff: Things You Can Do With Cardboard Tubes