5 Mind-Blowing Planters and Pots Made from Waste

5 Mind-Blowing Planters and Pots Made from Waste
Okay, let’s talk trash. No, really – actual trash.
The other day, I was about to toss an empty yogurt container when I had this weird thought: “What if this could be… something else?” I know, I know – who thinks about garbage that much? Well, apparently I do now, because here we are.
Look, we’ve all seen those Pinterest-perfect upcycling projects and thought, “Yeah, right. Like I have time for that.” Between keeping our plants alive (RIP, Steve the succulent) and, you know, life, who’s got energy to play trash wizard?
But stick with me here, because I’ve stumbled onto some seriously cool ideas that might just change your mind. And hey, if nothing else, it’ll give you something to chat about next time you’re stuck in awkward small talk at a party. “So, Bob, ever turned a tire into a planter?” That’ll get ’em talking.
1. Bottle It Up
Alright, confession time: I drink way too much soda. But now I can pretend it’s for “crafting purposes,” right? Cut those plastic bottles in half, slap on some paint (non-toxic, because we’re not trying to poison our plants here), and bam – hanging planters.
I’ve got a row of these in my kitchen now, filled with herbs. Do I sometimes forget to water them? Sure. But they look cool, and now I can pretend I’m a “green thumb” when friends come over. Fake it till you make it, folks.
2. Tire-d but Inspired
This one’s for all you brave souls out there. I’m talking about old tires. Yes, those giant rubber donuts that are a pain to get rid of. Turns out, they make weirdly awesome planters.
Full disclosure: I haven’t tried this one yet. The thought of wrangling a tire has me breaking out in a sweat. But my neighbor did it, and I’m stupidly jealous of her “tire garden.” It’s like something out of a post-apocalyptic Martha Stewart magazine, and I’m here for it.
3. The Paint Can Comeback
Remember those metal paint cans your grandpa used to hoard? Turns out, the old man was onto something. With a little paint and some holes poked in the bottom (careful with those scissors!), you’ve got yourself a pretty swanky planter.
I tried this last weekend, and let’s just say my first attempt looked less “vintage chic” and more “kindergarten art project.” But by the third can, I was feeling pretty smug. Group a few different sizes together, and suddenly you’re an interior design genius. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.
4. Tin Can Alley
Remember when we used to open cans with those sketchy manual can openers? Those were the days. Now, instead of cursing at jagged metal edges, we can turn them into plant homes. A bit of chalk paint, maybe some doodles if you’re feeling artsy, and voila – hipster-approved planters.
Pro tip from someone who learned the hard way: sand down those edges unless you want your “gardening” to turn into an unexpected bloodletting ritual.
5. Pallet Paradise
Ah, wooden pallets – the holy grail of DIY enthusiasts and the bane of my existence. These things are everywhere, and apparently, they’re gardening gold. You can break them down to make a vertical garden that’ll have your Instagram followers green with envy.
Full disclosure: I tried this. It involved more swearing and splinters than I care to admit. But the end result? Pretty darn cool, if I do say so myself. Just maybe wear gloves. And have a first aid kit handy. And maybe a therapist on speed dial.
Why Bother?
Look, I get it. It’s way easier to just buy a pot from the store. Trust me, there have been moments (usually involving stuck paint lids or uncooperative power tools) when I’ve questioned all my life choices.
But here’s the thing – every time we turn trash into something useful, we’re basically giving Mother Nature a high-five. It’s like saying, “Hey, Earth, I know we humans can be real jerks sometimes, but look! I made a thing!”
Plus, there’s something weirdly satisfying about pointing to a flower pot from waste material and saying, “Yeah, that used to be garbage.” It’s not just a pot; it’s a middle finger to our throwaway culture, wrapped up in a Pinterest-worthy package.
So next time you’re about to toss something in the bin, maybe give it a second look. Who knows? You might just create something awesome. And if not, well, at least you’ll have a funny story for your next dinner party. “Let me tell you about the time I tried to turn a lampshade into a flower pot using waste material…”
At eha, we have made planters and pots with more than 90% trash – recycled crop-waste and plastic waste material. They are more durable than your regular ceramic or plastic planters and cost next to nothing to our planet.
Looking for planter ideas & flower pot made from waste material?
Visit eha’s range of planters made with biocomposite materials using crop-waste such as rice husk, bamboo fibers and coffee husk, and recycled plastics.
If you are looking at developing new pots and planters from waste, speak to experts at Mynusco.