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Trash Cans to Treasure: 6 Ways to Repurpose a Small Trash Can

There’s something very satisfying about taking a cheap, ordinary object and transforming it into something beautiful. That’s exactly what these crafters did, with something you might not ever consider repurposing – a trash can! Here are six ways to turn a trash can into a treasure.

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1. Modern Light Fixture

Lesley of Chaotically Creative purchased a couple of cheap wire trash bins from Target, but then a light bulb went off. Suddenly she realized the modern shape of the trash cans would make perfect light fixtures. Using wire cutters she cut a hole in the bottom of the bin. Then she attached a pendant kit, and finally spray painted the whole thing gold. Now no one will ever know her beautiful pendant light was once a waste paper basket!

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2. Planter Pot

The Decor Guru scored this plain plastic trash can for $4, and now it’s a beautiful planter! Plastic planters of this size can run $30 to $50, so it’s a great money saving project if you’re shopping for a home for your plants. For proper drainage, be sure to drill holes in the bottom. The Design Guru warns to be careful not to use too much force when drilling that you crack the plastic. Last for design, she added scribbly lines with a permanent marker.

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3. Plant Stand

Amy of Homey Oh My took a boring wire trash can that she’s had since college and turned it into a plant stand. First she measured and marked the trash can with chalk. With a hot glue gun, she attached black and white ribbon to the can, using the chalk marks as her guide. A simple project with a super cute result.

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4. Child Size Stools

These child size stools made from trash cans on Homemade Ginger are so creative. Megan needed the right size tools to fit her kids’ crafting table, but buying new furniture wasn’t in her budget. Instead, she purchased three cheap trash cans and spray painted them white. With two inch thick foam, and some durable fabric, she made circle shaped cushions to fit on the top of each trash can. She attached the cushions to the freshly painted cans with Velcro. Now she has adorable and unique stools, that cost next to nothing!

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5. Wire Cloche

Debbie of Refresh Restyle turned her wire baskets into cloches. The large cloche was a trash bin, the smaller cloches were made from small baskets. She painted the baskets with chalk paint for a shabby chic look. She then attached cute drawer pulls for handles.

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6. Wrapping Paper Storage

Merrilee of Mer Mag was storing her rolls of wrapping paper in this ordinary wire waste basket, but it was making her sad. It was just too boring. With just a can of gold spray paint, she gave it a facelift. Or as she puts it, “transformed this drab little bin into a gilded win.”

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