Before you throw away an empty milk or juice carton, think about how you could use it again. These sturdy containers, which are made from layers of paperboard, plastic, and sometimes aluminum, are great for upcycling projects.
Recycling is always a good option (about 26% of cartons are recycled worldwide, according to carton manufacturer Tetra Pak), but finding new uses for them can make them last even longer. Here are 10 smart ideas from creative bloggers and DIY fans.
1. Seed Starter Pots for Your Garden
Paper milk and juice cartons are great for starting seeds because they are waterproof and strong enough to hold soil. You can cut the carton in half or make a window on one side, fill it with potting mix, and plant your seeds. Home Baked Bliss recommends cartons for bigger or fast-growing plants. When you’re ready to move your seedlings, just cut off the bottom and plant the whole carton in the ground to protect the roots from pests. The cardboard will break down over time.
Alternatively, if you have composite juice cartons with aluminum or plastic liners, you can reuse them for several years before disposing of them.
2. Bird Feeders
Turn a carton into a backyard bird feeder. Cut openings on two sides, leaving a strip at the bottom to hold seeds. Add a wooden stick for a perch and hang the feeder with a string through the top. PBS Kids has a simple tutorial, and Red Ted Art shows how to make a cute owl-shaped version painted with enamel paints to handle the weather.
3. Quirky Wallets and Coin Purses
People have been making wallets from cartons since at least 2007, when Family Fun Magazine featured the idea. Half-gallon cartons with screw-top spouts work best because the cap acts as a closure. Instructables has a step-by-step guide that provides a folding template to make the process quick and easy. The finished wallet holds cards, cash, and coins, and it’s a fun way to talk about sustainable living. These wallets are waterproof and can last about six months with regular use.
4. Decorative Lanterns
Paper cartons work well for making glowing lanterns for fall parties or Halloween. Cut windows in each side, leaving the frame, and cover the openings with colorful tissue paper from the inside. Place a battery-powered tea light inside (never use real candles) for a cozy glow. Bren Did has a Japanese festival-style version, and House Digest shows fall-themed lanterns with patterned tissue paper.
5. Candle Molds
This classic craft has been around for decades. Milk cartons make great disposable molds because you can peel them off easily after the wax hardens, and you don’t need any special spray. For a unique look, add crushed ice before pouring in the hot wax. As the ice melts, it creates a lacy, sculpted effect. Running with Sisters explains the ice-candle method, and What Do We Do All Day shows how to make layered, colored candles by pouring wax in steps.
6. Desk Organizers and Storage Containers
Cut cartons to different heights and cover them with fabric, wrapping paper, or craft sticks to organize your desk. DIY & Crafts shows how to make a version covered in craft sticks for pens and brushes. Hiland Dairy explains how to make pull-out storage boxes by covering cartons with fabric and adding ribbon handles. These organizers work well as drawer dividers or for holding items like makeup brushes and remote controls.
7. Planters for Herbs and Houseplants
The waterproof interior of cartons makes them ideal mini-planters for herbs, succulents, or small houseplants. For a polished look, peel away the outer printed layer to reveal the silvery interior (a neat trick from How to DIY Everything), or decorate the outside with paint. The Dairy Alliance suggests having kids paint milk cartons to look like cows or other farm animals, then fill them with soil and seeds. Just remember to poke drainage holes in the bottom.
8. Kids’ Play Villages and Dollhouses
The gabled tops of milk cartons make them great for building mini houses. Paint them, draw windows and doors with markers, or use construction paper, and glue small sticks on the roof for texture. House Digest suggests making a whole city for play mats. You can build a village: big cartons can be hotels or apartment buildings, and small school milk cartons can be houses or cars.
9. Outdoor Camping Lanterns
Here’s a free camping trick: fill a clear plastic milk jug with water and strap a headlamp around it, with the light facing in. The water spreads the light through the jug, making great ambient lighting for your tent. Instructables has a simple method that needs no cutting or assembly—just a jug, water, and a headlamp you likely already have.
10. Gift Boxes and Party Containers
Cut off the bottom of a carton and cover it with decorative paper to make a cute container for party favors, small gifts, or treats. The ReFab Diaries showcases different versions, such as woven baskets made from strips of carton material and spring-loaded piggy banks. Add ribbon handles to turn them into gift baskets that cost almost nothing to make.
Tips for Success
A few things to keep in mind when upcycling cartons:
- Always wash and dry cartons well before using them for crafts to avoid mold or bad smells.
- For painted projects, prime the waxy surface with gesso or use acrylic paint mixed with a bit of PVA glue for better adhesion.
- Carton board cuts easily with scissors or a craft knife—just watch for sharp edges.
- When using cartons outdoors, know they’ll eventually degrade. Apply waterproof varnish for longer-lasting projects.
No matter which project you try, reusing cartons helps keep useful materials in use and adds a personal touch to your things. The best part is, you probably already have the supplies at home.
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