40+ Things You Can Use Twice Before Tossing

Have you ever tossed something in the trash, only to realize later that it could have been useful? We often throw away everyday items without a second thought, missing out on their hidden potential.

With a little ingenuity, ordinary household items can be transformed into organizers, cleaners, craft supplies, and more – all while reducing waste and keeping clutter in check.

Would you believe that bread clips make fantastic tiny scrapers, that tired old cosmetic brushes make excellent keyboard cleaners, or that plastic bottles can keep your yard wasp free?

These are just a few of the clever, practical ways to give everyday objects a second life before they ever reach the trash.

Below you’ll find a great collection of simple, effective, and eco-friendly reuse ideas to help you stay organized, save money, and cut down on waste. Lots here, enjoy!

40+ Things You Can Use Twice Before Tossing

You’ll be amazed at how much value is hiding in the things you already own!

Dry Cleaning Plastic Bags: Those thin plastic garment bags from the dry cleaners aren’t just for keeping clothes dust-free—they’re perfect for preventing wrinkles when traveling. Simply slip one over dresses, suits, or blouses before packing, and the slippery surface reduces friction, keeping your clothes smoother. For long-term storage, keep them out of reach of children and pets, as they pose a serious suffocation hazard.

Butter Wrappers: Before tossing that butter wrapper, put it to work! The leftover buttery residue is perfect for greasing baking pans, waffle irons, or even seasoning cast iron skillets. Store used wrappers in a small container in the fridge and pull one out whenever you need a quick, mess-free way to coat a surface.

Business Cards: Outdated or extra business cards have a second life as labeling powerhouses. The stiff, durable cardstock makes them perfect for labeling storage bins, boxes, or shelves—just tape or glue them on for an instant, readable tag. Keep a stack near your craft or office supplies to jot down quick notes, shopping lists, or makeshift bookmarks.

Strawberry Baskets: Plastic strawberry baskets can be super handy beyond the produce aisle.

Use them as mini organizers in drawers or pantries, rinse freshly picked garden veggies in them, or turn them into a fun bubble-blowing tool—just dip them in soap and blow through for a cascade of tiny bubbles!

Envelopes: Old envelopes have surprising second uses! Cut off a corner to create an easy bookmark sleeve—just slip it over the page you’re reading, and you’ll never lose your place. Larger envelopes are great for organizing receipts, sorting coupons, or even storing seeds for next year’s garden. Got blank space on the back? Perfect for to-do lists or grocery shopping reminders!

Cardboard Egg Cartons: Egg cartons are a goldmine for repurposing. Use them to start seeds indoors before transplanting, turn them into homemade fire starters by stuffing them with wax and dryer lint, or cut them up to make dividers for storing Christmas ornaments and small craft supplies. Got a golfer in the house? They also make handy storage trays for golf balls!

Tissue Boxes: Before tossing that empty tissue box, turn it into a dispenser for plastic grocery bags. Just stuff in your extra bags, and they’ll pull out one at a time, keeping your cabinets neat and clutter-free. These also work well as makeshift trash bins for your car, desk, or bathroom—just pop in a small liner, and you’re set!

Plastic Grocery Bags: Plastic bags are too useful to throw away! Use them as trash can liners in small bins, wrap paint rollers between coats to keep them from drying out, or protect fragile items when packing. If you have too many, check with local food banks, churches, or thrift stores—they often welcome donations to bag up supplies for those in need.

Bread Clips: Those little plastic bread clips? Surprisingly handy!

Use them to scrape off price tag residue, cleanly scratch lottery tickets, or label electrical cords—just write on them with a marker and clip them onto the wires.

Need to keep tape from losing its end? Stick a bread clip on the roll to mark the starting point every time.

Newspaper: Newspapers do more than deliver the news— they’re workhorses around the house! Use them to line litter boxes for easier cleanup, protect surfaces from messy craft projects, or stuff them inside wet shoes to absorb moisture overnight. Need cheap wrapping paper? A section of the comics or a crossword puzzle page makes for quirky, eco-friendly gift wrap.

Empty Spray Bottles: Don’t toss that used-up cleaning spray bottle—give it a second life! Wash it thoroughly, then refill it with homemade cleaners, water for misting houseplants, or a DIY fabric refresher spray. Just make sure to label it clearly to avoid confusion. Quick Tip: A clean spray bottle filled with water is great for deterring cats from climbing where they shouldn’t!

Styrofoam Food Trays: With a good wash, Styrofoam trays can become surprisingly useful. Wrap them in foil and use them as sturdy serving trays for homemade baked goods, or turn them into paint palettes for kids’ crafts. Cut them into shapes for DIY stamps, or place them under heavy furniture legs to prevent scratches on hardwood floors.

Pantyhose: Pantyhose might rip easily, but they’re incredibly durable for other uses! Cut into strips to create gentle plant ties for staking tomatoes and climbing vines, or place a bar of soap inside a section and tie it to an outdoor faucet for a handy garden scrubber. Got soap slivers that are too small to use? Toss them into a pantyhose foot, tie it up, and use as a sudsy exfoliating scrub in the shower.

Paper Towel & Toilet Paper Rolls: Tangled cords and string lights? Not anymore! Slide extension cords, holiday lights, or charging cables into an empty paper towel roll to keep them neat and tangle-free. You can also cut the rolls into small rings and use them to hold rolled-up wrapping paper or posters in place. Bonus Tip: Decorate them and turn them into fun craft organizers for pens, brushes, or knitting needles!

Mesh Produce Bags: Those stretchy mesh bags from onions, potatoes, or citrus? Don’t throw them out!

Wad them up into a scrubber for washing dishes or scrubbing outdoor furniture.

They also work as bird feeder bags —just fill with suet and hang in a tree. Got wrapping paper rolls that keep unraveling? Slip a mesh bag over them to keep everything tidy!

Citrus Peels: Before tossing that lemon or orange peel, think again! Dry them and store them in a jar to make homemade citrus-scented cleaning vinegar—just soak the peels in white vinegar for two weeks, strain, and you have an all-natural cleaner. Toss peels into the fireplace for a fresh, citrusy aroma, or simmer them in water with cinnamon sticks to naturally fragrance your home. Need an extra zing in recipes? Freeze peels and grate them as needed for zest!

Foam Peanuts: These lightweight packing peanuts have more uses than just shipping! Use them to cushion fragile holiday ornaments in storage or fill the bottom of large plant pots to improve drainage without making them too heavy. If you have extras, check with local shipping stores—they may accept them for reuse!

Brown Paper Bags: Once they’re too worn for carrying groceries, brown paper bags still have plenty of life left! Twist them into fire starters for fireplaces or camping trips, use them as a natural way to ripen fruit (just place unripe bananas or avocados inside), or cut them into DIY book covers to protect school textbooks. They also make fantastic eco-friendly gift wrap—just add some string or a hand-drawn design for a rustic touch!

Laundry Bottle Caps & Scoops: Large detergent bottle caps and measuring scoops are too sturdy to waste! Wash them out and repurpose them as sandbox and beach toys for kids, bathtub scoopers, or pet food measuring cups. They’re also handy in the garden for measuring out fertilizer or potting soil, and you can even glue a few together to make a fun DIY sorting game for kids!

Plastic Water Bottles: Plastic bottles are incredibly useful with a little creativity! Cut one in half to make a DIY funnel, poke holes in the cap for a gentle watering can, or use the bottom as a mini seedling planter for gardening.

If you’re into crafting, try making a self-watering plant system—just invert the top half into the bottom, add soil, and watch your plants thrive!

Bonus Tip: They also make fantastic wasp traps!

Cereal Box Liners: That waxy bag inside your cereal box? Super useful! Clean and reuse it for separating meat patties before freezing, wrapping sandwiches, or storing bread crusts for homemade croutons. They also make excellent microwave splatter guards—just lay one loosely over a bowl to keep food from popping everywhere. Plus, they’re great for rolling out dough without sticking!

Used Tea Bags: Your cup of tea isn’t the only thing they’re good for! Dry out used tea bags and tuck them into shoes, drawers, or gym bags to absorb odors naturally. The tannins in tea also work wonders for soothing puffy eyes—just chill a couple of bags and place them over closed lids for a refreshing treatment. Need an eco-friendly glass cleaner? Brew weak tea with old bags and use it to wipe down mirrors and windows for a streak-free shine!

Glass Jars: Glass jars are one of the most versatile items to repurpose! Use them for storing pantry staples, holding homemade salad dressings, or organizing craft supplies like buttons and beads. They also double as rustic drinking glasses, DIY candle holders, or even a chic way to display flowers. Feeling crafty? Paint or etch them for personalized storage!

Old Toothbrushes: A worn-out toothbrush still has plenty of scrubbing power! Use it to clean grout lines, tile edges, and hard-to-reach corners in the bathroom. It’s also great for scrubbing jewelry, cleaning keyboards, or removing stubborn dirt from shoes. Keep one in your toolbox for getting grease out of small crevices, and another near your sink for scrubbing under your fingernails after gardening!

Milk Jugs, Laundry Bottles & Plastic Jugs: Milk jugs can easily be transformed into practical tools! Cut off the top, and you have a sturdy scoop for pet food, birdseed, pots for seedlings or even gardening soil.

Poke holes in the cap to make a DIY watering can for plants, or cut the jug into strips for cheap, durable plant markers.

They also work as emergency funnels for pouring liquids without a mess!

Old Socks: Single socks don’t have to be useless! Slip one over your hand to make a reusable dusting mitt for blinds, baseboards, and furniture. Fill a sock with rice, microwave it for a minute, and you have a DIY heating pad for sore muscles. Need to pack something fragile? Wrap delicate items like glassware in socks for extra padding when moving or shipping.

More Old Socks (Swiffer Hack!): Forget buying disposable Swiffer pads—old socks work even better! Stretch one over a Swiffer mop head, and it will trap dust and dirt just as well (and you can wash and reuse it). Another great use? Stuff socks with cedar chips and tuck them into drawers, closets, or shoes to keep things smelling fresh and deter moths!

Silica Gel Packets: Those little silica gel packets that come in new shoes and electronics? Keep them! They absorb moisture, making them perfect for protecting important documents, preventing rust in toolboxes, or keeping camera gear dry. Toss a few into your gym bag or suitcase to keep odors and mildew at bay, or place one in a container of dried herbs to keep them from clumping (food safe only).

Old Shower Curtains: Don’t throw away an old shower curtain—there are so many ways to repurpose it! Use it as a drop cloth when painting or crafting, a picnic or beach blanket, or even a waterproof car seat cover for pets. You can also cut it down and use it to line drawers, protect outdoor furniture, or cover firewood to keep it dry.

Single Gloves: Lost a glove? Don’t toss the remaining one! Slip it over your hand for a reusable dusting mitt that works great for blinds, baseboards, and car interiors. It also makes a handy jewelry or coin pouch—just tuck valuables inside, secure with a rubber band, and store them safely. Need a quick stress reliever? Fill the glove with uncooked rice, tie it closed, and you have a DIY stress ball that’s perfect for squeezing away tension.

Old Candles: Don’t waste leftover wax—melt it down and make new candles! Simply remove the old wick, combine melted wax from multiple candles, and pour it into a new container with a fresh wick. Leftover candle wax also has practical uses—rub it on stiff zippers to make them glide smoothly or apply to shoelaces to make them water-resistant and fray-proof.

Shampoo & Conditioner Bottles: Once empty, shampoo and conditioner bottles can be transformed into super useful containers.

Cut off the top, smooth the edges, and you’ve got a DIY organizer perfect for holding pens, toothbrushes, razors, or even makeup brushes.

Want something even handier? Leave the back intact, cut a hole near the top, and turn it into a hanging phone holder—perfect for keeping your device off the counter while it charges.

Takeout Containers: Takeout containers are too useful to toss! Wash them out and reuse them for meal prep, freezer meals, or lunchboxes. The sturdy plastic ones are great for storing small items like sewing supplies, craft materials, or even batteries. Need an easy way to keep your junk drawer organized? Use these containers as dividers for office supplies, hair accessories, or kitchen gadgets!

Old Jeans: Don’t throw out worn-out denim—it’s gold for DIY projects! Cut it into patches for mending jeans, jackets, or bags, or sew together pieces to make a sturdy tote bag. The fabric is great for craft projects, from coasters to placemats. Even small scraps can be used to reinforce weak areas in other clothing or turned into a stylish DIY keychain!

Broken Crayons: Those short, broken crayons still have life left! Melt them down to create brand-new multi-colored crayons—just place pieces in a silicone mold and bake at 250°F for 10 minutes. They’re also great for wax art projects—just shave crayon bits onto paper, cover with wax paper, and iron on low heat for a colorful stained-glass effect. Want an easy candle hack? Melt crayons into wax for custom-colored homemade candles!

Old Greeting Cards: Give greeting cards a second life! Cut them into gift tags for presents, use the pretty designs to create DIY bookmarks, or repurpose them into postcards by writing on the blank side. They also make fun flashcards for kids—just glue a plain sheet to the back and write vocabulary words, math problems, or memory prompts!

Wine Bottles: Empty wine bottles? They’re full of potential! Turn them into stylish vases or candle holders for rustic decor. For a gorgeous lighting effect, drop in a string of fairy lights to create a cozy, illuminated centerpiece.

Plastic Wrap & Aluminum Foil Boxes: Before tossing these boxes, put them to work! The long, sturdy shape makes them ideal drawer organizers—just remove the serrated edge and use them to hold pencils, utensils, or craft supplies. Keep one for storing spare pieces of plastic wrap, wax paper, or foil rolls to keep everything neat. The serrated edge can also be repurposed as a handy twine cutter in the garage!

Old Makeup Brushes: Tired, well-used makeup brushes still have plenty of use!

Use them for dusting keyboards, cleaning delicate figurines, or brushing crumbs out of small crevices (car detailing anyone?). They’re also perfect for cleaning jewelry.

Bonus Tip: A soft makeup brush works wonders for gently removing lint from clothing and fabric furniture!

Old T-Shirts: A soft old T-shirt is one of the best things to repurpose! Cut it into cleaning rags for dusting and polishing, or turn it into reusable makeup remover pads by cutting small circles and stitching the edges. Want a sustainable grocery bag? Sew the bottom closed, cut off the sleeves, and you’ve got a DIY tote bag—strong, washable, and completely free!

Old Pillowcases: Pillowcases aren’t just for bedding! Use one as a laundry bag or garment bag for delicate clothing when traveling or to protect dresses and suits in storage. They also make fantastic pet beds—just stuff one with old towels or fabric scraps and sew it shut. Feeling crafty? With a few stitches, you can turn a pillowcase into a simple, lightweight tote bag for laundry or groceries!

Empty Candle Jars: Once your candle burns down, don’t toss the jar—they’re perfect for storage! Clean out the wax by freezing it, then pop out the hardened bits. Use the jars for cotton swabs, makeup brushes, or office supplies. They also make excellent succulent planters, or elegant homemade candle holders.

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Reusing and repurposing doesn’t have to be difficult — it’s all about seeing everyday objects in a new light! Whether you’re looking to save money, stay organized, or reduce waste, these simple second-use ideas can make a real difference in your home. Start small, try a few, and before you know it, you’ll be rethinking everything you throw away.