Asked on Jan 01, 2017

What to do with empty powder drink containers?

Marie
by Marie
I have about 200 empty powder drink containers with lids. there are 4 different shapes from different brands. Looking for ideas to repurpose.
  68 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jan 01, 2017

    maxwellhouseinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/07/repurposed-drink-mix-containers.ht

  • Ginny LaForge Ginny LaForge on Jan 01, 2017

    Many of the ready-made totes that can be purchased for tools, sewing, crafting, etc. have dividers but they are not secured at the bottom within the organizer. We have found that using assorted containers within each divider assures that our tools, pens, special markers, etc. stay put. For small sewing projects we also put our special needles, threads, pins, etc. with a small pair of snips or scissors in the container, snap the lid on and it's an instant travel case! You can have a few "ready to go" so when you know you'll be spending time in waiting rooms, have a day trip, etc., you can grab it and go!


  • Haysha S. Haysha S. on Jan 02, 2017

    I just saw this incredible repurposed decorative lighting using PVC, but your containers should work (I think) too! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/pvc-pipe-lights-26161295


  • Katrina Katrina on Jan 02, 2017

    Maybe cereal keeper pasta as well keeper if you have the lids go with them

  • Mike Mike on Jan 02, 2017

    Great for storing pens, crayons & markers for ease of access.k

  • Kathy Kathy on Jan 02, 2017

    Recycle them.

  • Karen J Moseley Karen J Moseley on Jan 02, 2017

    I use them for different size nails, screws, staples.

  • Loretta Kekalos Loretta Kekalos on Jan 02, 2017

    I've used these in the past, here's a few ideas:

    ~ You could cut a slit in the top and make banks out of some of them.

    ~ Paint them with Unicorn Spit and turn them into vases.

    ~ Put healthy snacks in them for a special outing.

    ~ Put crayons in them, add a coloring book and take them to the children's wing at your local hospital.

  • Kandy Scott Kandy Scott on Jan 02, 2017

    Concrete molds

    Paper Mache them for vases or parts of bigger paper mache projects

    Put one in the shower to help rinse off cleaner

    Use in painting area for mixing paint or cleaning brushes, then toss when they get yucky


  • Tova Pearl Tova Pearl on Jan 02, 2017

    If you drill a hole in each top, and thread a thick bendy wire through, you can make bendy palm tree decorations, or all kinds of other shapes, by threading them one on top of the other.

  • Jane Jane on Jan 02, 2017

    I use one for a trash container in my car. Just cut a small slit toward the top on one flat side. I used the rectangular one from WalMart...like the one on the left in your photo. It matches my car ; ) Put a Command wire hook where you want to hang it. I put mine near the driver's side for easy reach while I'm driving. It is small, inconspicuous, easy to empty...AND FREE!!!

    I used a hook like these:

    https://www.amazon.com/Command-Hooks-Value-9-Hooks-17067-9ES/dp/B000OEJARG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483383976&sr=8-1&keywords=command+hooks


  • Jeanie Hutchison Jeanie Hutchison on Jan 02, 2017

    I use one to hold my crochet hooks and a small pair of scissors. It makes them easy to find in my yarn bag. You could also cover them with fabric, using spray adhesive.

  • Kelly Kelly on Jan 02, 2017

    I use the clear ones for a little green house for any herbs but basil works the best. I fill the container 3/4 way with potting soil sprinkle seeds in cover with a thin layer of soil and water until moist. Cover and place by a window and leave until plant reaches the lid. Remove top place back by window and water as needed. I also give them away as gifts. I hot glue a ribbon around the container at the soil level then place a tag on it with care instructions.

  • Dolores Olsen Dolores Olsen on Jan 02, 2017

    I use mine for spices. I use a lot.

  • Kathi Vaggalis Schaaf Kathi Vaggalis Schaaf on Jan 02, 2017

    You can wrap decorative paper around them and use as containers for gifts or fill with cookies, candy or treats as party favors or neighbor gifts. Stack them together in a box laid on its side as tandem garage storage for matchbook cars. Use them for organizing craft supplies like pens, paint brushes, pipe cleaners, scissors etc.


  • Linda Abate Linda Abate on Jan 02, 2017

    Good storage containers for car trips with young kids. Snacks can easily be put in them, pieces to small games can be stashed inside. Great when travelling to put medicine in, to store toothpaste and tooth brush, and I am sure there are many more ideas out there.

  • La78330359 La78330359 on Jan 02, 2017

    I use empty peanut butter jars and miracle whip jars for my grandchildren's little dinky cars, animal figurines, all the tiny toys.... I separate them and give them the jar they bring to me to play with. This allows the toys but not so many as might be in a toy box and get emptied out. Easy to help them clean them up and they know that in order to get another bucket, they have to help pick them up.

  • Donna Donna on Jan 02, 2017

    When my husband was finally organizing his garage/work shop, I gave him a dozen or so of these containers to use for small amounts of different size screws, nails, bolts, etc. Put them inside with a sample of one taped on the side so you can see what you need & keep them organized.

  • Karen Mettler Karen Mettler on Jan 02, 2017

    I use mine for office supplies. Sticky notes. Individual condiments. salt packets. Pepper. Ketchup. Mustard. Soy sauce. Duck sauce. Red pepper flakes. Parmesan cheese from pizza place. Sweetener. Sugar. Raw sugar. Rather than throw the extras away. Pens. Markers. cosmetics in wands such as mascaras. Lipsticks. Pushpins. Binder clips. Corn cob holders. Disposable plastic cutlery for the car center organizer. I really don't know how I managed without them. You don't even need to label since you can see thru them. Pony tail elastics.

  • Marcia Marcia on Jan 02, 2017

    Fill the container with rolls of doggie poop bags. if you put a small slice on the lid you can individually pull the bags thru the top and store the remainder underneath! Works great.

  • Len13597309 Len13597309 on Jan 02, 2017

    I've been collecting mine to eventually screw into a wood piece and make a desk supplies lazy Susan

  • Vicky Burkhard Vicky Burkhard on Jan 02, 2017

    I like the interesting shapes so I use them to make candles. They easily come out of these types of molds. I use them over and over again...

  • Val7301494 Val7301494 on Jan 03, 2017

    The Crystal Light looking ones make great colored pencil/pen storage.. The lids even fit. You can decorate them with contact paper, printed duck tape, wrapping paper, paint etc. With that many you have lots of choices.

  • Val9785169 Val9785169 on Jan 03, 2017

    Store power cords for cell phones tablets etc

  • Mou8294050 Mou8294050 on Jan 03, 2017

    Take them to a school and donate them


  • Lynne Lynne on Jan 03, 2017

    We use ours as seed starters and for organizing in hubbies garage and in my craft room. Love it for storing larger beads in jewelry making.

  • Jeanette Jeanette on Jan 03, 2017

    I put paper towels inside them and turn them upside down and use them for candles on my mantle. I wrap pretty ribbons on them to match the different holidays. The look pretty on different candle sticks.

  • Michelle Tan Michelle Tan on Jan 04, 2017

    Decorate it, use it as a planting pot Or a pen holder.

  • Mar12004966 Mar12004966 on Jan 04, 2017

    my friend collected them and filled with concrete. Concrete cobbles were then used to lay a garden path and edge flower beds, beautiful outcome. Concrete can be coloured using powdered paint in the mix to liven it up and take away the grey effect.

  • Kim Salmi Kim Salmi on Jan 04, 2017

    vase party favors ......fill with inexpensive artificial flowers ....tie with a ribbon holding a tag with the guests name ...put them by each plate... ...instant souvenir : ) !

  • Cherie Cherie on Jan 04, 2017

    I actually purchased Crystal Light JUST so I could get one of these because I am on two types of insulin and my insulin pens fit PERFECTLY in these for travel with a little room on the sides and bottoms for alcohol wipes and additional needles!

  • Richard Belmonte Richard Belmonte on Jan 04, 2017

    I like to use them for dry goods in my kitchen cabinets. (upper & lower) such as elbow macaroni, split peas, pinto beans etc. These containers keep everything more organized and take up less space than the boxes or plastic bags.

  • Bet9862197 Bet9862197 on Jan 04, 2017

    My daughter punched holes in the lids of several to accommodate the socket of mini Christmas lights. She snapped the container back on and strung the lights along the canopy of her travel trailer. They look very nice; they have a soft glow. Since they are closed, she does not have to be concerned with moisture causing a problem.

  • 62q10370829 62q10370829 on Jan 04, 2017

    You could use them for out side lights. Drill hole in bottom & put light threw hole , calk hole and you hang them on patio or in bushes, trees. Paint each one a different color.

  • Paulette Paulette on Jan 05, 2017

    Use inside a mug for an extra amount of storage in a pencil cup. This "bucket boss", sized for a mug, doesn't hold everything I wanted there. A friend gave me the deige container on the left and I can put lots more in one handy spot. I'll try to send a photo.

  • Paulette Paulette on Jan 05, 2017

    I know. "Beige"

  • Bink Bink on Jan 05, 2017

    200 hundred? Really? Good gravy....take them to the thrift shop or Goodwill and let some others find a good use for them.

  • Karen Durante Karen Durante on Jan 05, 2017

    I fill a few with water and different seasonal fruit. I freeze them (allow some room for expansion). Once they are frozen, I slip them out of their plastic container for use in my large clear glass beverage dispenser. Not only does it keep the water cold and it makes a nice homemade 'fruit water.'

  • Charl Charl on Jan 05, 2017

    Great size to hold sunglasses.

  • Sue Sue on Jan 05, 2017

    I save these too! I was talking with a kindergarten teacher friend of mine when she told me alot of students don't have their own supplies...crayons, pencils and such. I decided that the containers would be perfect to use as supply cases for her students. (Yes, the supplies fit inside and the covers still fit on top) I got a few friend's together and we made and filled these cases (1 for each student) and wrote the students names on the outside. They were such a huge hit with the students, teachers and parents alike!

    Can't think of a better way to show students and teachers alike that "we got their backs"!

    • See 2 previous
    • Terrye Shirley Terrye Shirley on Jan 06, 2017

      I do the same thing. It was also a project my girl scout troop did using the washi tape as well as a few other things. All of my children used a few of them for banks, they are great to have around!

  • MaryJo Glover MaryJo Glover on Jan 05, 2017

    I store my sharp cheese blocks in them in the fridge. Just right.

  • Angela Angela on Jan 05, 2017

    These are great for storage in the shed/garage for seeds, nails, nuts and bolts.

  • Nyre Rose Nyre Rose on Jan 05, 2017

    I use mine as a pill container for over the counter medications (Vitamins, Anti-Histamines etc). As they are all the same size and shape they save space. I use a sharpie to write the name of the pill on the lid. They are also a convenient way to store my insulin bottles in the refrigerator, and again they save space because I can get rid of the boxes. I place the label from one of the insulin boxes inside for handy reference when I need to reorder.

  • Sue Sue on Jan 05, 2017

    There's nothing better than seeing the smile on a child's face!

  • Karen Durante Karen Durante on Jan 05, 2017

    Thanks, Linda - first time I have commented so appreciate that! It looks nice and tastes great!

  • Karen Kossow Karen Kossow on Jan 05, 2017

    I use them for craft supplies, they are the perfect size for small items. Plus you can use contact paper and colored sharpies to decorate (just so they aren't so blah).

  • Bill Leisenring Bill Leisenring on Jan 05, 2017

    Maybe with some of them try to make "wine racks" if possible



  • Karenka Karenka on Jan 05, 2017

    In lunches, pretzels, chips, crackers etc, then pack in lunch bag. Small candies like M&M's that come in big bag, but then bag rips. Will hold nearly a full size bag.

    Also great for taking granola bars, nutrigrain bars, in backpack. Containers keep from crushing. I have packed in suitcases on trips so I can have a quick morning snack before leaving hotel room.

  • Linda Beswick Linda Beswick on Jan 05, 2017

    I use them for my paint brushes. Keeps the bristles straight.

  • Marilyn Fowler Marilyn Fowler on Jan 06, 2017

    HI- I have a large basket that I put the clear containers in, and fill them with pencils, ink pens, markers,scissors, even knitting needles.I don't over fill the basket with the clear containers,. Makes it easier to find pens, pencils, and scissors

  • Judy Judy on Jan 06, 2017

    I have used spray paint for plastic to create pretty bud vases.

  • Ellen Schaffer Ellen Schaffer on Jan 06, 2017

    As a retired Activity Director in nursing homes, I would have loved these to make crafts with my residents. As well as the tins nuts come in. Decoupage wrapping paper or wall paper on them, let them dry, and use them for so many different things. Easy, cheap, and practical. If you have more than you will use, call a local nursing home, assisted living home, senior community center and ask if they could use any of them.

  • Karen Wilcox Karen Wilcox on Jan 06, 2017

    I use my Crystal Light containers to store spices, knitting machine and crochet hooks. I used press on letters to identify the spice or hook sizes. On the spices, I go to Dollar Tree and buy 3 spice jars for $1 each, and 3 jars fits perfectly in these containers. But got a couple new ideas from other postings.

  • Turtle Turtle on Jan 06, 2017

    I keep mine thinking they'll be for beads, since they have well-fitting tops.

  • Dianna Beard Dianna Beard on Jan 06, 2017

    We have 5 children and they are great for holding their tooth paste and toothbrushes..

  • CAROL CAROL on Jan 06, 2017

    They make great inserts in boots to make planters; drill holes in the bottom, add a used drier sheet, add citrus potting soil, add a succulent and water. oh,.. drill holes in the sole of the boots too. Boots make wonderful planters so the containers help make them fun!

  • Cathi Rudolph Cathi Rudolph on Jan 06, 2017

    I used one to hold my wooden spoons and another to hold my spatulas on my kitchen counter

  • UpLATEagain UpLATEagain on Jan 06, 2017

    Look on pinterest. You could even sell them as a supply or storage container for makers on Etsy, or give them away on freecycle! They can be cut down to any size made into links for plastic chain, to use in the garden and cut lengthwise as the base for basket making. Scouts, vacation bible study and elementary art teachers would be happy to have that many, too! (so would I!)

  • Cynthia Cynthia on Jan 08, 2017

    I use them in the glove box in cars. Great for organizing pens, pencils, drink mixes, etc. easy to remove items if necessary by lifting the containers!

  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Jan 08, 2017

    I use them for molds for beeswax candles. They are perfect..no seams and the hardened wax slips right out and they are a great size for candles.

  • Jodymiller Jodymiller on Jan 09, 2017

    They are the perfect size to hold popsicle sticks. Being a teacher, I make games with the sticks and store them in the containers. They are easy to label /decorate with the names of the games/activities and help keep the room tidy.

  • Pat Brinkley Spencer Pat Brinkley Spencer on Jan 09, 2017

    I use them for anything I need to keep together: markers, crayons, floss toothpicks, cough drops,nuts, individual wraped candies, hair clips on inside and pony tail holder on outside, and of course I agree, donate them to a small church or organization with a limited budget for children crafts.


  • Amm7025897 Amm7025897 on Jan 14, 2017

    I use the to organize office/art/craft supplies, cutting them in 1/2 if necessary to fit inside other organizers.

  • Linda Linda on Jan 16, 2017

    Also, you could mount them on a wall...so that they are horizontal in a large grouping and use them for a supply/craft centre....I don't know if you sew, and I don't know how big the containers are [I don't think I have ever seen that type of container here] but you could use them for storing "fat quarters" for quilting [again, mounted horizontally on a wall in a grouping]. Hope you find the right solution for you!

  • Emt9031931 Emt9031931 on Jan 20, 2017

    I used mine to store different flavored teas and coffees in a deep enough drawer. However, I recently moved and have been thinking on slicing off the bottoms and using them in the garden to protect small plants.

  • Sal3170064 Sal3170064 on Jan 21, 2017

    Use them for making plastic jewellery or cut up to make book markers. Use them with alcohol inks etc. Look on Pinterest.

    Cut up and use as garden markers.

    Cut shapes out and make into wind mobiles.

    • Debbie Debbie on Jan 25, 2017

      I use them in the bathrooms. I have rectangular baskets on the counter. I place the plastic containers inside the baskets. Fill them with our toothbrushes, dental odds and ends, hair combs etc. Easy to clean or just replace with new and keeps the baskets nice and tidy. Hope this helps. Love the garden idea.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 03, 2023

    Could be used in /craftroom or Work shed or garage, infact anywhere, screwed to fences to hold plant or to a trellis etc...

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 05, 2023

    25 Ideas to Reuse Plastic Protein Powder Jugs, Jars, and Containers

    https://www.lazybudgetchef.com/2022/01/25-ideas-to-reuse-plastic-protein.html