Hello everyone, today I’m sharing the 11 best ways to upcycle coffee cans and containers.

Did you ever ask yourself what I can do with empty metal cans? An empty coffee tin, or an empty coffee canister once the coffee grounds are all gone?

There are many ideas to use these instead of throwing them in the recycling bin.

I’m looking forward to sharing many DIY projects with you and saving items from the compost heap.

The best thing is today, for the most part, we don’t have to worry about sharp edges from the old-fashioned can openers. Can come in different sizes so I’m hoping to cover all the basics to use these in some of my favorite projects and ideas.

Before we do any crafts with these we want to make sure to wash these metal and plastic containers well to remove any coffee residue.

I’m going to share some of my favorite ways to use these in creative ways. Are you ready?

Using These After They’re Empty

Ways to Use These Once They’re Empty in the Office or Craft Room

Idea 1

How about getting the craft supplies out and scrapbook decorative paper or contact paper? Why? Cut and use Mod Podge to make the empty can into a useful piece. Larger old metal coffee cans are perfect for utensil holders for cooking. And adding this right next to the stove. Who would have thought right? But think about the idea. Take this empty coffee container and fill it with your cooking tools.

Idea 2

Here’s another example of how to put these to good use. I personally love this idea especially because the cooler seasons are coming and we are entertaining more often. Paint these and find chalkboard labels in any craft store or Amazon and add the kitchen utensils when family and friends are over for easy access and label these forks, knives, and spoons.

Or if you have small cans how about filling these with sugar or sweetener for hot tea or coffee after dinner on the dessert table? Of course, make sure to again paint these or add pretty paper.

Idea 3

Another example is to add a coat of paint or two. Then use a hot glue gun and add it to the sides of the can and make DIY coffee can cubbies. These can hold office supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, and paintbrushes.

Using These Pieces for Everyday Uses

Using These Ideas for Everyday

Idea 4

These will also work great to collect hair ties so they don’t wind up all over the vanity counter in the bathroom for little ones getting ready for school.

After gluing these together they also are great as a wine rack too. Think about how little room this will take up on a small table.

Idea 5

Here’s a great idea, 3-pound coffee cans are the perfect size to make great kitchen storage canisters, especially with the plastic lids screwed on tightly. Again add pretty craft paper or contact paper with small flowers to make these pretty.

Idea 6

I think this is especially clever, turn a taller can upside down and glue a dish to the top using E6000 to make a cake stand. Using a pretty dish you have for the top makes this extra special.

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More Clever Ways to Use Old Cans

More Clever Ideas for Old Coffee Cans

Idea 7

Here’s another fun way to recycle these for your home. Soon enough many of us will have no fresh herbs in our gardens. How about using larger cans and making an indoor herb garden?

There are different ways to do this project. The first example is to drill small holes in the bottom and add a decorative dish or a terracotta flower pot bottom to catch the excess water after watering the plants. Or add small stones to the bottom before planting again for drainage.

Idea 8

In addition after making these aluminum cans pretty with paint or paper fill them with sand or stones. Then add Spanish moss or greens and use them as candle holders. How pretty will this idea be for gatherings during the fall or the holidays?

Also, small terracotta pots will work for this as well.

Idea 9

Next, this idea is adorable for our feathered friends, making bird feeders.

This is also an especially good time to think about an upcycled coffee container birdhouse so the birds will have a place to eat and stay warm in colder weather for most of us in the near future.

Tip: However if you live in a wooded area where bears wander this may be a project you may want to skip. Bird feeders attract bears and can be dangerous. I know this from experience in our old home. The end result was quite alarming.

Idea 10

Lastly, for repurposed coffee cans is to add spray paint and make flower vases. This is one of the easiest projects and I’m loving how these look. Especially for the colder weather because I love adding copper to our home during this time.

Now, these are filled with Zinnias from our deck garden with small pinecones and walnuts in their shell. And I look forward to using these during the holidays as well.

Idea 11

Can’t you see it? Fill these with holly clippings, and fill them with water and floating candles. Also, add real greens for Christmas and the holiday season with real cranberries, or fill these with an assortment of pinecones and one of my favorite nuts in the shell. For additional height add empty branches. Leave these in their natural state or spray them white.

Lastly glue tiny pinecones or wood slices to the end of the branches for interest, texture, and another part of nature to your home décor.

Idea 12

This is a super idea to use Salvage Dog Furniture Paint which I love working with and can’t recommend enough. This is a great addition to your kitchen or pantry.

Recycle different size plastic coffee containers. Paint these different colors and instantly you have DIY upcycled kitchen canisters. You can buy chalkboard labels or even make punched tin labels to hang with chains or twine from any home improvement store.

Idea 13

How about using larger old metal coffee containers you find thrifting for container-grown vegetables? For best results make sure to add small pebbles to the bottoms for drainage. Or drill drainage holes in the bottom of the can and add a terracotta pot bottom to collect the water.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the many ways to upcycle coffee cans. I’d love to know which is your favorite idea. Let me know so we can connect and chat.

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