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If you’re like many people after using your coffee maker every morning, you end up with empty coffee cans in the recycling bin. But those sturdy cylinders are actually a DIYer’s best friend. Instead of tossing those empty containers, you can easily repurpose them into clever, cost-effective solutions for your home, garage, or garden. From transforming a metal canister into a charming planter or a rustic outdoor lantern to crafting a functional backyard rain gauge, an inviting birdfeeder, or space-saving wall storage system, these five creative coffee can uses will breathe new life into your trash.
1. Planter
Just as coffee grounds can be used to help plants grow, you can turn used coffee cans into attractive planters. Because they are made of durable steel, aluminum, or sturdy plastic designed to seal out air and moisture, they make exceptionally resilient planters.
To turn an empty coffee can into a home for your greenery, start by thoroughly cleaning out any coffee residue to prevent mold and plant pathogens. Next, use a screwdriver or a hammer and a large nail to punch about five drainage holes into the bottom of the container, which will prevent water from pooling. Then fill the container with a high-quality potting mix. Coffee cans are the perfect depth for leafy succulents, culinary herbs like cilantro, or for starting tomato and pepper seedlings that can later be transferred into a garden.
Enjoy customizing them to your style by spray painting, adding a design with stencils, or wrapping them in twine or ribbon. Group them to display a charming window herb garden or a colorful plant collection that matches your décor.
2. Wall Storage
Save space by mounting a collection of used coffee cans to the wall in your garage, shed, art room, or other convenient location. Thanks to their hefty size, they are ideal for sorting everything from tools and art supplies to kitchen utensils and office knickknacks. To organize your workspace, simply turn the cans on their side and mount them horizontally to the wall using hardware, or drill a small hole near the rim to hang them vertically from nails or a pegboard. Consider decorating them to elevate their look and match the room’s décor.
3. Bird Feeder
While helping the environment by repurposing your coffee cans, you can also welcome wildlife to your backyard. A steel coffee can tipped on its side can easily be transformed into a durable, weather-resistant bird feeder.
For a quick, classic design, carefully bend any sharp metal edges down into the inside of the can so they aren’t exposed. Then punch a hole at each end of the cylinder’s top side and thread wire through to create a sturdy, horizontal hanger. Or you can make a version with a built-in perch. Remove both the metal bottom and the plastic lid, and then cut the plastic lid exactly in half. Glue one half-circle of the lid to the bottom of each open end to create a lip that holds the birdseed inside while providing a ledge for birds to land on.
Let your creative juices flow by decorating the outside of the can with paint and other craft supplies. Once finished, thread twine or wire through the tube, hang it horizontally from a sturdy tree branch, fill it with birdseed, and enjoy watching birds flock to your garden.
4. Lantern
Outdoor lanterns, or luminaries, add a cozy, welcoming vibe to any landscape. Coffee cans can easily be turned into outdoor light fixtures to brighten up a walkway or to shine as an attention-grabbing table centerpiece. Punch holes in the canister with a nail or screwdriver to let light shine through. Then place candles or tea lights inside the can and light them up. You can also add some rope to create hanging lanterns. If you want to get super creative, punch holes in a shape, such as a flower or heart, to impress your guests with your DIY talent.
5. Rain Gauge
Finally, try making your own rain gauges with used coffee tins. By placing empty cans outside in several spots throughout your yard when it starts to rain, you can decipher how much rain you received by measuring the depth of the water in each can once the rain subsides. This will give you a sense of whether or not you need to water your plants and yard. It’s also a smart way to test your sprinkler system if you notice any dry patches.
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