What To Do With Old Storage Bins [15 Exceptional Ideas!]

Storage bins are absolutely helpful in storing things. But then, whether old or unused, they just take up space! So, before you toss them in the trash, consider these ideas for putting them to use. The good thing is we have compiled different ways how to properly reuse storage bins.

Instead of wasting your old storage bins, try to make the best out of them. Here are the top 15 ideas you can do to reuse your old storage bins:

1. Planters
2. Toy box
3. Storage for extra blankets or pillows
4. Weights for at-home workouts
5. Garage toolbox
6. Sporting equipment containers
7. Compost bin
8. Underground pond
9. Hamster house
10. Cat tower
11. Cat litter box
12. Under-bed storage
13. Art materials box
14. Holiday ornament storage
15. Wheeled storage

Keep reading to see the best way of turning your old plastic bins into a more useful way. Get a few ideas to start your DIY project using these old storage plastic boxes. With this, you can both recycle them while showcasing your creativity and innovative skills.

15 Ways To Reuse Your Old Plastic Bins

1. Planters

A great way to save money and still add some greenery to your home is to repurpose old storage bins as planters. Simply clean out the bins, drill a few drainage holes in the bottom, and fill them with soil.

You can then add your favorite plants and blooms. Old storage bins are an inexpensive and easy way to add some life to your home.

2. Toy Box

An old storage bin can easily be transformed into a toy box. Just add some paint or stickers to make it child-friendly, and voila! You've got a new toy box that didn't cost you a fortune. You can even arrange toys inside, depending on size, style, and shape.

3. Storage for Extra Blankets or Pillows

Closets fill up quickly, leaving few options for storing things that are only used occasionally. This is where old storage bins come in handy.

Whether you're storing extra blankets and pillows for guests or seasonal clothing that you don't need right now, old storage bins provide an easy way to keep your belongings organized and out of the way. 

4. Weights for At-home Workouts

One way to make your at-home workouts more interesting is to use old storage bins as weights. Fill them with sand or rocks and use them to add resistance to your exercises. Y

ou can also get creative and use them for things like balance training or plyometric exercises. Not only will this add some variety to your routine, but it will also help you save money on expensive workout equipment. 

5. Garage Toolbox

With a bit of creativity, you can transform an ordinary bin into a stylish and functional toolbox. Simply add some wheels for easy maneuverability and attach a handle for convenient transport. Then, use some labels to organize your tools so that you can easily find what you need when you need it.

In this way, you can simply arrange your tools or tiny materials like nails, screws, and pins.

6. Sporting Equipment Containers

Old storage bins can make great containers for everything from baseballs to soccer balls. They're durable enough to withstand plenty of wear and tear, and they're often large enough to hold a whole team's worth of equipment. Plus, they're easy to transport from one place to another.

So next time you're looking for sporting equipment, don't overlook the humble storage bin. It just might contain everything you need to keep your new balls, bats, and gloves in a safe place.

7. Compost Bin

Before you haul off your plastic bin to the dump, consider repurposing it as a compost bin. Food scraps and yard waste can quickly fill up a kitchen garbage can, but they can be easily disposed of by adding them to a compost bin.

Just drill a few holes in the bottom of the bin for drainage and fill it with your compostable materials. Once the bin is full, you can either put it in your garden or take it to a local composting facility. Either way, you'll be helping to reduce landfill waste and improve the health of your soil.

8. Underground Pond

It's no secret that ponds and water features can add a touch of beauty and tranquility to any outdoor space. But, many people are surprised to learn that you can transform your old storage bins into underground ponds.

By simply excavating a hole in the ground and lining it with a heavy-duty liner, you can create an attractive and low-maintenance pond.

Plus, the underground design means that your pond will stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, providing a year-round refuge for fish and other aquatic creatures.

9. Hamster house

When it comes to finding the perfect home for your hamster, there are many options to choose from. However, one of the most cost-effective and easy-to-find options is an old storage bin. Storage bins come in a variety of sizes and are excellent as a cozy hamster home.

All you need to do is add some bedding, a few toys, and a food dish. Plus, storage bins have tight-fitting lids that will keep your furry friend safely inside. So if you're looking for a simple and inexpensive way to provide your hamster with a comfortable home, an old storage bin is the perfect solution.

11. Cat Tower

Repurposing old storage bins into a cat tower is a great way to give your feline friend a stylish new perch. Cats love to climb and scratch, so a bin tower can provide them with the perfect place to explore and play. Plus, you can easily customize the bins to fit your cat's specific needs.

For example, you can add a scratching post to one bin or fill another bin with catnip. With a little creativity, it can transform your old storage bins into the perfect feline playground.

12. Cat Litter Box

One way to save money on litter is to repurpose old storage bins as litter boxes. Not only are storage bins large enough to accommodate even the largest cat, but they also have high sides that help to contain messes.

Best of all, you can easily clean storage bins with soapy water and a little elbow grease.

13. Under-bed Storage

By storing items in old storage bins underneath your bed, you can free up valuable space in your bedroom while still keeping your belongings within easy reach. Not only will this give you more room to relax and enjoy your bedroom, but it can also help to keep your bedroom tidy and organized.

Art materials Box

Storage bins are perfect for holding all sorts of art supplies, from paintbrushes to easels. And, you can easily add labels so that you always know where everything is. In this case, you will never worry about any dust or cobwebs covering your precious art materials!

14. Holiday Ornament Storage

Old storage bins can actually be the perfect solution for storing holiday ornaments. They are durable, so they can protect your fragile decorations from being broken. They are also usually clear, so you can see what is inside without having to open them up. And best of all, they are typically very inexpensive.

15. Wheeled Storage

Old storage bins can make excellent wheeled storage. Just attach some wheels to the bottom of the bin. You have a mobile storage solution that can be perfect for just about anything. Best of all, this storage hack is incredibly affordable—all you need is an old storage bin and a few small wheels. 

Should you keep your old storage bins?

Old storage bins may no longer be structurally sound. Over time, they can become cracked, warped, and brittle. Additionally, the lids may no longer fit snugly, which can make it difficult to keep items contained. On the other hand, it can often repurpose old storage bins for other uses.

Yet still, the decision of whether or not to reuse old storage bins depends on their condition and how you plan to use them. But before throwing them away, you can still reuse them, similar to the few suggestions mentioned earlier.

What are the advantages of keeping old storage bins?

Old storage bins can offer a lot of advantages in the right situation.

1. First, they're usually much cheaper than buying new bins. This can be a big advantage if you're on a budget or if you need a lot of storage bins.
2. Second, old storage bins tend to be more sturdy and durable than new ones. This is because they're made with thicker plastic and stronger hinges. This can be a big advantage if you're storing heavy items or if you live in an area with a lot of wind or earthquakes.
3. Finally, old storage bins often have more personality than new ones. This is because they often have unique designs or colors that aren't readily available in stores anymore. This can be a big advantage if you're looking for something that's both functional and stylish.

Final Words

Take the time to clean out your old bins and get rid of anything you don’t need. Once they’re emptied and cleaned, it’s time to start thinking about how you can use them to your advantage. Then, start applying some of the principles we learned in this post should help!

To learn more ways on keeping your storage neat and organized, check out our new posts.