Different Recycle Ideas for Flower Pots

Recycle old ceramic pots as decorative or functional things for the yard.

Instead of throwing old flowerpots away after they fade or become cracked, recycle them into functional or decorative items. You can use ceramic pots as drainage material for plants, for example, and turn plastic flowerpots into birdbaths.

Drainage Material

Break up cracked and broken ceramic flowerpots into 1- or 2-inch pieces to use as drainage material in the bottom of flowerpots. The pieces keep soil away from the drain holes so that the soil drains better. They also allow air to reach the roots that are closer to the bottom of the pot. Double-bag the pot in plastic bags before breaking it into pieces to keep the mess at a minimum. This also allows for easier handling of the sharp ceramic pieces.

Birdbath

Use two pots and the plate of one of the pots to build a birdbath. Paint decorations on the pots and the plate, then paint them with clear sealer. Paint sealer on the inside and outside of the plate. Allow everything to dry for at least 48 hours. Glue the pots together, bottom-to-bottom, using hot glue. Set the plate on top of the pots and fill it with water or birdseed. You can do the same thing with plastic pots that have faded. Once you paint the pots, hot glue decorations to the pots, such as shells or small silk flower arrangements. Instead of painting with clear sealer, spray clear sealer over the project.

Landscaping Material

Break old ceramic pots into 2- or 3-inch pieces to use in landscaping where you might use stones. If you want color in the landscaping, paint the pots before you break them up. If you do not have enough to cover an entire area, scatter painted pieces throughout a rock garden for added color. Use clear sealer for a shiny finish, or just leave them plain for a more natural look.