The Everyday Containers You’re Throwing Away Too Soon

/25 Comments/in , , , , /by Mary Hunt

Before you spend another dime on “pantry-perfect” bins or Instagram-worthy organizers, take a peek at your recycling bin. From cottage cheese tubs to spaghetti sauce jars, your groceries already come with some of the best disposable containers to repurpose—practical, sturdy, and ready for a second life. Let’s look at which containers are worth keeping and clever ways to repurpose them in everyday life.

epurpose and reuse plastic and glass containers

Before you spend another $10 on plastic tubs or a fancy set of “pantry organizers,” pause for a moment. Your house is already bursting with some of the best storage containers money can’t buy. They show up free with your groceries: cottage cheese tubs, pickle jars, coffee cans, yogurt cups, and takeout clamshells.

They may not win awards on Pinterest, but they’ll hold leftovers, tame a junk drawer, organize craft supplies, and even keep squirrels out of your birdseed. And here’s the kicker: they do it all without a price tag.

Repurposing isn’t just about saving money. It’s also about saving waste. According to the EPA, containers and packaging made up over 82 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018. That’s nearly 30% of everything Americans throw away each year. Instead of sending every tub, jar, and clamshell straight to the landfill, giving them a second life in your home means less waste and more value.

So let’s dig in and look at which containers are worth keeping, plus a few clever ways readers have already put them to use.

Cottage Cheese & Yogurt Tubs

best disposable containers to repurpose yogurt pot empty

Why save them: These plastic tubs are sturdy, stackable, and usually come with tight-fitting lids. Perfect for freezing soups, storing leftovers, or corralling all those little odds and ends that never seem to have a home.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Freeze soup, chili, or stock in meal-sized portions (bonus: they pop out easily for quick weeknight meals).
  • Store craft beads, buttons, or screws—basically anything that loves to roll under the couch.
  • Use as mini planters for seedlings or fresh herbs. (Hello, repurposed indoor herb garden!)
  • Pack snacks for road trips or kids’ activities, because no one wants to pay $5 for trail mix at the gas station.

Tip: Avoid heating them in the microwave (unless they’re labeled microwave-safe). And please, label what’s inside unless you enjoy the suspense of wondering if that white tub holds chicken stock or leftover pudding.

Glass Jars (Pickles, Pasta Sauce, Jelly)

glass jar repurpose for storage paper clips push pins

Why save them: Glass jars are practically indestructible. They don’t absorb smells, they’re dishwasher-safe, and they look downright chic lined up on a pantry shelf.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Pantry storage for rice, beans, flour, or coffee beans.
  • Homemade salad dressings, marinades, or overnight oats.
  • Organize nails, screws, or washers in the garage and avoid that frustration of digging through a coffee can of “random hardware.”
  • Quick gift packaging: fill with homemade granola, bath salts, or cookie mix for a thoughtful, low-cost present.

Reader story: One Everyday Cheapskate reader admitted she uses empty spaghetti jars as vases. “The kids think I’m cheap. I say I’m resourceful. Roses don’t care what they’re sitting in.”

Bonus tip: If you like the “clean look,” soak off the labels and add chalkboard paint or stick-on tags. Suddenly, that old pickle jar could pass for something straight out of an Instagram kitchen tour.

Coffee Cans (Plastic or Metal)

metal canister coffee container red plaid utensil holder upcycle

Why save them: Coffee cans are practically legendary in the repurposing world. Sturdy, spacious, and usually equipped with a snug lid, they’re like the Swiss Army knife of household containers.

Repurpose ideas:

  • DIY piggy bank or coin jar. Savings add up fast when you make a game of tossing in your spare change.
  • Dry pet food or birdseed storage.
  • Handy kitchen compost bucket. Line it with a paper bag and you’ve got an eco-friendly setup.
  • Organize extension cords, paintbrushes, or small tools. Perfect for the garage or closet.
  • Create a “gratitude jar” or “experience fund.” Drop in notes, ticket stubs, or small savings toward something you’re looking forward to.

Bonus use: Drill a couple of holes in the bottom, and presto! You’ve got a flowerpot. Instant upcycle.

Plastic Berry Bins

strawberry clamshell container reuse

Why save them: Those vented clamshell containers that strawberries and blueberries come in may look flimsy, but don’t underestimate them. They’re lightweight, stackable, and the built-in holes make them surprisingly versatile.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Store small toys like LEGO bricks or puzzle pieces—easy for kids (or grandkids) to tote around.
  • Drain freshly washed herbs, grapes, or cherry tomatoes without soggy messes.
  • Create an on-the-go snack box for the car. Perfect for road trips, sports practice, or commuting.
  • Organize office supplies (cords, chargers, sticky notes) for those of us juggling home and work life.
  • Use as mini organizers in drawers. Ideal for socks, scarves, or even makeup.

Reader story: Berry bins make excellent “mini greenhouses.” One reader told me she lines the bottom with a coffee filter, adds soil, and starts seedlings in plastic berry bins.

Margarine or Butter Containers

margarine or butter container for storage

Why save them: Small, lightweight, with lids that snap tight. They may not win a beauty contest, but when it comes to storage, these little tubs are the underdogs of the kitchen.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Store leftover gravy, sauces, or broth without tying up your “good” containers.
  • Portion out snack cups for kids, grandkids, or yourself on busy workdays.
  • Perfect for corralling craft glue, beads, or paint for kids’ (or grown-ups’) art projects.
  • Use for small freezer portions of soup or chili. Ideal for quick solo meals or lunches.
  • Road-trip hack: pack trail mix or cut fruit in them for mess-free snacking on the go.

Tip: My neighbor uses them to stack cookies in the freezer. It’s a perfect disguise from the cookie thieves in her house.

Takeout Clamshells & Deli Containers

takeout clamshells styrofoam paper assortment

Why save them: They’re practically made for leftovers, and the fact that they stack neatly in the fridge is a bonus.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Freeze homemade meals in single portions for grab-and-go lunches. Great for workdays, road trips, or sending home with family.
  • Organize crayons, colored pencils, or sewing notions without spending a dime on craft bins.
  • Temporary paint trays for DIY projects. No cleanup, just toss when you’re done.
  • Use for picnic packs: portion out potato salad, fruit, or chips for an easy outdoor meal.
  • Garden helper: start seedlings in deli containers or use clamshells as mini greenhouses.

Caution: They can warp in the dishwasher, so treat them kindly (hand-washing is your best bet).

Plastic Milk Jugs & Juice Bottles

repurpose gallon jug milk plastic container

Why save them: These are heavy-duty plastics with built-in handles. Don’t overlook them. They’re perfect for tasks that need durability and a little extra grip.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Cut in half to make scoops for birdseed, pet food, or garden soil.
  • Reuse as watering cans. Perfect for indoor plants or balcony gardens.
  • Store bulk cooking oil or homemade cleaning solutions (just be sure to label clearly!).
  • Freeze water in clean juice bottles to make inexpensive ice packs for coolers or lunch boxes.
  • Keep in the garage for storing small hardware, sand, or kitty litter in manageable amounts.

Reader story: One Everyday Cheapskate reader freezes juice bottles filled with water to create portable ice packs for summer road trips. “Cheap, easy, and they last for hours,” she says.

Peanut Butter Jars (Plastic or Glass)

peanut butter jar empty repurposed into organic bush basil container storage organizer.

Why save them: Wide mouths, tight lids, and sturdy enough to handle wear and tear.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Store bulk spices, baking soda, or other pantry staples.
  • Keep trail mix, nuts, or granola fresh for road trips, hikes, or busy workdays.
  • Organize buttons, screws, nails, or other small parts in the craft or garage area.
  • Use as mini prep bowls when cooking or baking. Perfect for mise en place.

Pro tip: Got sticky peanut butter residue? Fill the jar with warm water and a drop of dish soap, shake, rinse, and it’s ready for its next life.

Whipped Topping Containers (Cool Whip, etc.)

whipped topping cool whip container reuse storage

Why save them: Just the right in-between size—big enough for extras, small enough to fit anywhere.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Freeze leftover chili, pasta sauce, or soup for easy future meals.
  • Pack potluck leftovers without worrying if the container comes back.
  • Organize craft supplies like pom-poms, pipe cleaners, or googly eyes.
  • Portion snacks for kids, road trips, or work lunches.

Reader story: One reader uses her Cool Whip tubs to freeze individual smoothie portions. “I just grab a tub, toss in the blender, and breakfast is done,” she says—a little prep that saves big stress in the morning.

Egg Cartons

plant seedling in empty cardboard egg carton container

Why save them: Cardboard or Styrofoam, egg cartons are underrated for organizing.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Start seeds for your garden. Each little cup is the perfect mini planter.
  • Sort jewelry, beads, buttons, or screws to keep small items from disappearing into the abyss.
  • Use as kids’ paint palettes. Less mess, more creativity.
  • Portion out snacks for on-the-go lunches or picnics.

Eco-tip: Stick with cardboard cartons if you plan to compost them later.

Bakery Clamshells

clear plastic bakery clamshell

Why save them: Lightweight, clear, and shallow, these containers are perfect for organizing without taking up much space.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Keep muffins, cupcakes, or pastries safe without squishing them.
  • Organize puzzle pieces, game cards, or craft supplies. No more hunting under the couch cushions.
  • Create a caddy for ribbons, stickers, or small DIY project pieces.
  • Portion out grab-and-go snacks for lunchboxes or road trips.

Reader story: One reader uses clamshells to store leftover cookie dough in the freezer. “They stack neatly, and I can grab just one serving at a time,” she says.

Baby Food Jars

glass jars baby food small storage organization containers

Why save them: Tiny glass jars with secure lids are perfect for storing small items. Sturdy, reusable, and just the right size.

Repurpose ideas:

  • Create homemade spice blends for easy cooking or travel-sized pantry organization.
  • Make mini candles for gifts or cozy accents.
  • Keep paper clips, thumbtacks, safety pins, or other small office and craft supplies neatly contained.
  • Portion out small amounts of condiments or dressings for lunches on the go.

Pro tip: Label each jar with a chalkboard sticker or washi tape to keep things clear and add a fun DIY touch.

Don’t Buy What You Already Own

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with fancy storage sets, but frugality (and a touch of common sense) says use what you already have. Those containers have already earned their keep once, and giving them a second life is both practical and eco-friendly.

Repurposing saves money, reduces waste, and might even spark a laugh when your family realizes that your “organized storage system” is really just last week’s grocery haul.

After all, why buy storage bins when cottage cheese tubs, pickle jars, or yogurt containers have been doing the job for generations?

 

Question: What’s the one “disposable” container you refuse to throw away and how do you use it?

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25 replies
  1. Pam H says:

    We make our Keurig coffee with reusable cups and non-bleached paper filters. Once the coffee is made we put the used filters/coffee into take home containers that are disposable yard waste cardboard. Tea bags also go into this tray. After the tray is full we just dump the whole tray into our yard waste bin. It is convenient for us and we are recycling what could easily be more going into the landfill instead. We also recycle old plastic containers such as the Rubbermaid/Tupperware type for holding laundry powders/pods and other items in the garage cabinets. We use an old larger one with a snap on top as our compost bin. To avoid fruit flys and odors we put some water with white vinegar in it which also alleviates purchasing liners. It’s actually fun seeing what uses we can come up with to repurpose these things!

    Reply
  2. jd wolfe says:

    during an emergency when you don’t have clean drinking water, each person in the family needs 10 gallons on hand. there may be as much as 60 gallons in your water heater that you can access. but, you can stash a gallon of clean drinking water in a gallon milk or water jug every time you empty one of its original contents. i must use distilled water, so every time i empty that container, i refill the container with tap water and store out of the way in my basement. i have plenty on hand, so i’m now giving those containers to a friend who lives alone and has no use for gallon containers.

    Reply
  3. Lyn TURNER says:

    I save the plastic “bottles” that come with flavored creamer. After cleaning, I label and store flour, sugar, stevia, pancake mix, etc, in them for camping. They are lighter than glass, won’t break if thrown from the cabinet/shelf they ride on, and hold the perfect amount.

    Reply
  4. Jeannette Wright says:

    I save cranberry juice containers, Welches brand with handles, to store birdfeed. I buy bags of birdfeed; in winter the mice find their way in and feast. Once I started emptying the bags into the cranberry juice bottles the mice haven’t bothered the birdfeed and it’s convenient to carry the bottles out to the feeder rather than scooping food out of bags.

    Reply
  5. Eunice says:

    The tall, vertical jars that pickled beans and asparagus come in are great for fresh asparagus. I fill one half full of clean cool water, trim the bottoms of the asparagus and plop them in the jar just like a bouquet of flowers. Put them in the fridge with no lid, and they will stay firm and fresh for up to a week.

    Reply
  6. Marie T.a says:

    My favorite item to reuse is the plastic container from lunchmeat. They can be cleaned in the dishwasher (top shelf). have lids that close tightly and they are great for leftovers, portioning fruit or snacks. When I entertain I have my guests use them for take-home. No need to return.

    Reply
  7. Jenny Sonsalla says:

    I use the large glass pickle jars for storing many things (like coconut, brown sugar, meal, etc.) . My husband made lid covers out of beautiful wood and glued the lids inside. I put pretty labels on the jars and it makes a lovely canister set that seals tightly.

    Reply
  8. Katie C says:

    Most lightweight plastic containers, such as berry bins, bakery clamshells, and take-out clamshells, are so flimsy that they break almost immediately and cannot be repurposed. I’ve had them break before I can even get them home. Anything styrofoam is often so stained by the contents that it must be thrown out. Butter containers are now so minimalist that they do not have tight-fitting lids. I don’t know where you find these sturdy containers. The only things I repurpose are glass jars and some sturdy plastic jars, like a peanut butter jar.

    Reply
  9. Robin says:

    I re-use a lot of containers but the best advice I ever got about storage containers was to go to Grodon’s (food supply store) and purchase the clear containers you get from the deli. I have large, medium, and small ones and they all have the same lids. I can send them home with guests because they cost very little. I have different sizes so I purchase large containers of yogurt for my mom and divide it up into small containers for her refrigerator. I still use containers that other foods come in for storage and starting plants but I LOVE that all my storage containers have the same size lid. On a side note, plastic peanut butter jars are air tight. I have a pair of butterfly wings I found at my son’s 6th birthday party. He will be 35 this year and the wings are still perfect. The jar also allows little ones to look at them without damaging them.

    Reply
  11. Sharon Thompson says:

    Sunday mornings for breakfast we have a slice of a store bought loaf cake. I use the empty plastic container to hold Tide laundry wash pods. Of course, any container that would hold around 20 pods would work. I buy the large plastic RECYCABLE 76 pods container, then I put as many of the pods as I can in it. One plastic container lasts until I can no longer close it completely. Then I recycle it. After two years I’ve finally had to replace it. I keep the large Tide container under the counter, and I keep refilling the cake container that I keep on the counter. The cake container take up less space, and it’s easier and quicker to get a pod out.

    Reply
  12. Cate says:

    I am thrilled to see today’s blog! This is the Everyday Cheapskate who walked me through re-establishing my life when I lost everything 14 years ago! Thank you.

    Used to be we had Dollar Tree as a fall back, but nearly everything in the stores around me have a price of $3 or $5 and the quality has gone down, too. You are a lovely support, Mary.

    Reply
  13. Cheryl Schultz says:

    Our favorite restaurant uses take-out containers that are very sturdy, perfect for giving my homemade fudge at Christmas!

    Reply
  14. Linda says:

    Recycling containers:

    Using peanut butter jars and lids:

    I drill a hole in the middle of the lid.  Lids fit my canning type drinking  glasses that have handles.  A straw fits in the hole.

    OR, use entire peanut butter container as a drinking glass.  Non breakable and free.  Fun and handy with straw for children.

    Linda. OK.

    Reply
  15. Jean M Reynolds says:

    I save my CARDBOARD egg cartons for fire starters. We have a wood stove for heat in the winter. I tear the cartons in two and use them below the kindling to get the fire going.

    Reply
  16. Caroline says:

    I’ve been hoping someone would buy me the fancy souper cubes for freezing homemade chicken stock. Do you think a cottage cheese tub would do the trick or allow for freezer burn?

    Reply
  17. Eva Dedenbach says:

    I use a pill organizer that I found at Dollar Tree to organize my stitch markers. My stitch markers are actually hair rubber bands, and paperclips that I found at various discount stores and dollar stores. I use old Altoid Mint tins to keep my stitch markers, point protectors (which are actually pony tail holders that I found at the dollar store and at Walmart), and various other knit and crochet item that will get buried easily in my knitting bag.

    Reply
  18. Elen says:

    Repurposing containers is something my step mom excelled at…she (like my parents) was born in the 1930’s so she learned frugality and repurposing. She had clamshell containers for storing items she would put in a yard sale, she would bring margarine/cool whip containers to the family/senior dinners so everyone could take home leftovers. You name it, she had containers! When we had to clean out her house when she went into a memory care home…..we filled at least 2 recycle containers-the big ones the garbage company supplies!- with all those containers. Then we had another garbage bin-same size-with the things that were not recyclable! It was incredible….I miss her, but not her containers! 🙂 Thanks for bringing that memory to the forefront today!

    Reply
  19. Carol says:

    Caution: Do not put hot or warm soup or food in plastic containers! Refrigerate before so you don’t end up ingesting nanoparticles or smaller particles of plastic!
    Use tap water for drinking. We have the safest water in the world.

    Reply
  20. Mindy Sames says:

    We use plastic PB jars as well as milk jugs for dog food puzzles. Poke holes in the sides a little bigger than the kibble or treats. Fill w/ portion and let them work at getting out. A lot cheaper than the store bought ones. Can be tossed when damaged and start another.

    Reply
  21. Carolann says:

    Had a nice water bottle with pop up squirt top. Reusing it for watering plants that are hanging up. Can squirt water right in without getting hose or watering can.
    And…
    Saved a popcorn can to store the glass beads we put in vases of flowers.

    Reply
  22. Carolann says:

    We buy baking soda in large bags at Costco. We divide it into smaller portions and put in Cool Whip tubs. Some in basement, some under kitchen sink. Used larger plastic tub with secure lid to hold washing soda, instead of in the box.

    Reply
  23. linda says:

    i use empty kitty litter jugs to ‘catch’ the water that runs in the shower until it’s warm enough. after using the first filling to flush the toilet, i use the second filling to save in the event of a power failure, when the pump won’t work. i also catch the water from the dehumidifier to flush. i use an empty plastic coffee tub to catch that same water from the sink. all the water i’ve saved was very helpful last year when my daughter-in-law’s parents’ well ran dry.

    Reply

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