Are you looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly? If so, you’ll love this blog post! Today, we’re going to show you how to reuse ice cream cartons. Keep reading to learn more!
What Can I Do With Old Ice Cream Containers?
Did you know that the average American consumes around 23 pounds of ice cream each year? That’s a lot of ice cream – and a lot of old ice cream containers to get rid of.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of ice cream cartons are not recyclable. It really depends on the materials they’re made out of. Check the back of your carton to see if it can be recycled. If so, that’s great!
Recycling ice cream containers is a great way to reduce waste and protect the environment. They are made from a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, and metal, all of which can be recycled. Again, double check to make sure your recycling facility can handle these materials.
The first step is to clean them out thoroughly. Once they are clean, you can place them in your recycling bin. If you are not sure whether your local recycling center accepts ice cream containers, you can always check with them first. Most centers will be happy to recycle them for you.
By recycling ice cream containers, you are helping to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills each year.
And if you can’t recycle your ice cream container? Don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of other creative ideas for you – no landfill required.
How Do You Reuse Ice Cream Containers?
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it’s also a time for enjoying delicious ice cream. But what do you do with all of those empty ice cream containers? You can’t just throw them away! Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to reuse them. Keep reading to find out how.
Use For Storage
One of the best ways to reduce waste is to find new uses for items that would otherwise be thrown away. For example, an empty ice cream container can easily be repurposed as a storage container.
The sturdy plastic construction makes it ideal for holding small items like beads, buttons, and office supplies. The lid creates a tight seal, keeping contents safe and dust-free. And the clear plastic design makes it easy to see what’s inside.
Best of all, using an ice cream container for storage costs nothing – simply wash out the container and put it to good use. So next time you finish a pint of ice cream, don’t reach for the recycle bin – grab a marker and start repurposing!
Leftover Containers
One of the best things about ice cream is that it comes in its own container. And once you’ve finished the ice cream, that container can come in handy for storing leftovers. Just make sure to wash it out first!
An ice cream container is the perfect size for a single serving of leftovers, and it’s easy to seal tight with a lid. Plus, it’s one less dish to wash when you’re finished your meal. So next time you have some leftover spaghetti or roast chicken, reach for an ice cream container instead of a Tupperware.
Your taste buds – and your dishwasher – will thank you.
Create A Pet Food Container
With a little bit of creativity, that ice cream container can be turned into a pet food container. First, remove the lid and any labels from the container. Then, use a marker or paint to decorate the outside of the container. You could paint your pet’s name on it, or draw a picture of your favorite animal.
Once you’re finished decorating, put the lid back on the container and fill it with your pet’s food. Now you have a one-of-a-kind pet food container that will make feeding time more fun for both you and your pet.
Make Planters
Looking for a fun and easy way to add some color to your home? Why not try making your own planters out of recycled materials? An old ice cream container makes a great base for a small planter.
Just rinse out the container and remove any labels. Then, use a sharp knife to make a drainage hole in the bottom.
Fill the container with potting soil and add your favorite flowers or plants. You can even get creative and paint the container before adding your plants. With a little time and effort, you can turn an ordinary ice cream container into a one-of-a-kind work of art.
Store Your Produce
As any busy cook knows, counter space is at a premium. Kitchen counters are typically crammed with appliances, spices, and other cooking essentials, leaving little room for holding prepared food.
One simple way to free up some counter space is to store your produce in an ice cream container. An ice cream container is the perfect size for holding a few apples or a bunch of carrots, and it can be easily tucked into a corner when not in use.
Plus, using an ice cream container to store your produce helps to keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer. The airtight lid prevents moisture from escaping, and the containment keeps out mold and other contaminants.
Coin Holder
A piggy bank is a great way to start saving your money, and it’s easy to make your own with an old ice cream container. Just remove the lid and flip the container over so the base is facing up. Then, use a sharp knife to cut a coin-sized slot in the top of the container.
DIY Decorations
Looking for a fun and easy DIY project? Why not upcycle some old ice cream containers into cute decorations for your home?
With just a few supplies, you can transform an ordinary container into something special. For example, you could paint the outside of the container to match your décor, or use scrapbook paper and Mod Podge to give it a new look.
You could even use the container to create a fun desk organization solution. Just add some felt or fabric to the bottom and sides, and you’ve got a perfect place to store pens, pencils, or other small items.
Here’s another fun way to recycle old ice cream cartons:
Compost Them
You can compost paper ice cream containers! The paper material will break down quickly in a compost pile, providing valuable nutrients for plants.
However, it is important to make sure that the containers are clean and free of any food residue before adding them to the compost. Otherwise, you may attract unwanted pests or create odors that will deter other compost users. Also, make sure there’s no plastic or other materials besides just paper on the carton – only paper is biodegradable in a compost bin.
If you’re not sure whether a container is clean enough to compost, it’s better to err on the side of caution and recycle it instead.
Can I Reuse Ice Cream Containers?
It’s the age-old question: can I reuse an ice cream container? The answer is maybe. If the container is made of sturdy plastic or metal, it can probably be reused.
However, if it’s made of paper or cardboard, it’s best to recycle it.
Sometimes ice cream containers can be washed and reused, but it’s important to make sure they’re clean before using them again. Bacteria can grow quickly in ice cream containers, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly before storing food in them.
If you’re not sure whether a container is clean enough to reuse, it’s best to play it safe and recycle it – or find another creative use for it that will keep you and your family healthy.
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. Give them a try ASAP. And don’t forget to fill up on plenty of ice cream this summer!