Finished project

Easy Homemade Recycle Container Images

Simple Homemade Recyle Container

Why spend another $15 (at least) for a container made of plastics? A container that had negative ecological impact to make, exactly what you are trying to avoid by recycling. Why not think smart and fun and use some simple materials you probably already have around the house? The body of it takes all of fifteen minutes to make and there are lots of ways to customize to make it fit your home. Grab the kids to help decorate it and make recycling a fun family experience, or just do it yourself!

Supply List:

1. A cardboard box that will fit easily in a designated spot in your home and be able to fit a fair amount of recyclable items paper or plastic (remember to keep the separate.) The container will be waterproof but not storm proof so a cozy corner of the porch will work as well. If you don't have one laying around your local restaurant, grocery store or business will be happy to give you one.
2. A large contractor size trash bag or two regular size kitchen bags.
3. A stapler
4. Masking tape and/or Duct tape
5. Decorating supplies if you would like to customize. Sharpie markers, acrylic or tempera paint, construction paper and rubber cement are some suggestions.

Instructions:

1. Stand up flaps of box for maximum space and duct tape or masking tape edges of corners together for maximum stability.
2. Open trash bag if using one large size bag and place inside box as if lining a trash can. If using smaller trash bags leave them flat but unfolded for maximum size.
3. Staple the trash bag to the bottom of the box making sure plastic is taught but not too tight.
4. Pull bags snug up the inside edge of the box and staple to the top edge of box
5. Flip box over and pull bag snug to the outside edges of the box stapling to the bottom of the box starting with the four corners. Any excess fold neatly into the corners so all sides are flush and taught.
6. Gather any excess in center of overturned box and trim with scissors.
7. Fold the leftover bag like you were wrapping a gift making neat folds, tucking in edges and keeping the plastic taught, stapling wherever necessary.
8. Line box with a white or clear kitchen trash bag suitable for recycling if container is to hold plastics, glass, or metal.

It can be left plain or you can move on to the next step for decorating ideas.