Are Paper Towel Tubes Recyclable? (Plus 7 Creative Uses for Them)

With the average American family using about 40 paper towels per week, that’s a lot of paper towel tubes headed to the landfill. But before you toss your paper towel tube in the trash, consider recycling it or repurposing it for another use.

Ways to Use Paper Towel Tubes

Here are 7 creative ways to use paper towel tubes: Paper towel tubes are often overlooked as recyclable materials, but they can actually be reused in a variety of ways.

1. Use them as plant stakes or supports for climbing vines.

2. Cut them into pieces and use them as pipe cleaners or to make homemade stamps.

3. Make a paper towel tube binoculars.

4. Turn them into a fun game of target practice.

5. Use them to make a homemade telescope.

6. Make a paper towel tube wind chime.

7. Use them to create unique artwork.

1 – Turn it Into a Cord Holder

Paper towel tubes are great for organizing cords and cables. Simply cut a slit down the length of the tube, thread the cords through, and tape or glue the ends shut. This is a great way to keep your cords from getting tangled, and it’s a great way to recycle paper towel tubes! You can then label the cords with a permanent marker for easy identification.

2 – Plant Protectors

You can also use paper towel tubes to make a simple trellis for your climbing plants. The paper towel tube will act as a support for the plant as it grows. For example, you can cut them in half and use them as plant markers. You can also use them to create a mini greenhouse for your plants by covering the top of the pot with a paper towel tube. This will help to keep the moisture in and the sun out. Just cut a few slits in the tube and insert the plant stems. Paper towel tubes can be used in a number of ways to protect your plants.

3 – Use it as a Bird Feeder

All you need to do is make a small hole in the tube, fill it with bird seed, and then hang it up in your yard. If you have a paper towel tube that you’re looking to recycle, one fun way to do so is to use it as a bird feeder! The birds will love it, and you’ll get to enjoy watching them!

4 – Use Them as a Napkin Ring

Next, thread a napkin through the slit and then tie the ends together. This is a great way to recycle paper towel tubes and to add a bit of personality to your table setting. Paper towel tubes can be used for a variety of things, including as a napkin ring. To use a paper towel tube as a napkin ring, simply cut the tube in half and then cut a slit in one end.

5 – Redecorating Your Home

You can use them to create wall art, furniture, and even lamps. If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to redecorate your home, paper towel tubes are a great option!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

-Cut paper towel tubes into thin slices and use them to create a unique wall design.

Just glue or tape them together in a lamp shape and then add a light bulb. -Use them to make a paper towel tube lamp.

-Turn them into coasters by covering them with fabric or paper.

-Make a paper towel tube vase. Just glue or tape them together in a vase shape and then add some fake flowers.

-Use them to create a paper towel tube chair. Just glue or tape them together in a chair shape and then add some cushions.

6 – An Eyeglass Case

If you’re looking for a way to recycle your paper towel tubes, one option is to repurpose them as an eyeglass case. To make an eyeglass case out of a paper towel tube, simply cut the tube in half and then cover it with fabric or wrapping paper. This is a great way to protect your glasses and keep them from getting scratched up in your purse or backpack. You can also decorate the outside of the case with stickers or other embellishments.

7 – Tabletop Organizer

Tabletop organizers are a great way to keep your desk or countertop organized. Paper towel tubes can also be used to make tabletop organizers. They can be used to store pens, pencils, paper clips, and other small office supplies.

To make a tabletop organizer, start by cutting a paper towel tube in half. Once the glue has dried, fill the organizer with your desired office supplies. Then, use a hot glue gun to attach the tube halves to the bottom of a small plate or tray.

This tabletop organizer is a great way to recycle paper towel tubes and keep your desk or countertop organized at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are paper towel tubes recyclable?

Yes, paper towel tubes are recyclable. You can recycle them with your other paper products, such as newspapers and office paper.

2. How can I recycle paper towel tubes?

You can recycle paper towel tubes by placing them in your recycling bin with your other paper products. Alternatively, you can take them to a local recycling center.

3. What are some creative uses for paper towel tubes?

Paper towel tubes can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

-Making a homemade telescope

-Constructing a paper mache sculpture

-Creating a bird feeder

-Building a model rocket

4. Can paper towel tubes be reused?

Yes, paper towel tubes can be reused. Some ideas for reusing paper towel tubes include:

-Using them as storage containers for small items

-Cutting them into pieces to use as plant stakes

-Turning them into puppets or dolls

5. Are paper towel tubes biodegradable?

Yes, paper towel tubes are biodegradable. This means that they will eventually break down and decompose when exposed to the elements.

Final thoughts

Paper towel tubes are not recyclable, but there are many creative uses for them. Some uses include:

-Making a paper towel tube into a vase or planter

-Cutting the tube into pieces to use as plant stakes

-Using the tube as a paintbrush holder

-Making a paper towel tube into a bird feeder

-Turning the tube into a fire starter

There are many creative uses for paper towel tubes, even though they cannot be recycled. So next time you’re about to throw one away, think about how you could repurpose it instead.