In this era of sustainability and minimalism, the concept of “reduce, reuse, recycle” has taken on a whole new meaning. While many household items still end up in the trash, a growing number of people are finding ways to repurpose and hide things they might have thrown away in the past.
This isn’t just about saving money or being eco-friendly—it’s also about creativity, practicality, and the satisfaction of giving a second life to something that was destined for the landfill. In this post, we’ll explore 13 household items that people are hiding instead of tossing in 2025.
1. Glass Jars
Glass jars, from pickles, jam, or pasta sauces, are among the top items people are hiding instead of tossing. They are not only reusable but also offer a multitude of creative uses.
Not only can they serve as storage containers for dry goods in the kitchen, but they can also be transformed into trendy home decor elements. Think of them as lanterns, flower vases, or even holders for makeup brushes or pens. Plus, they’re dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean and maintain.
2. Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes aren’t just for moving day anymore. Many people are finding clever ways to repurpose these bulky items into useful household goods.
For instance, cardboard boxes can be cut and fashioned into drawer dividers, shoe organizers, or even DIY home decor. With a little creativity and some basic crafting ability, you can turn an ordinary box into a beautiful storage solution.
3. Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are another common item people are choosing to hide instead of toss. These containers are surprisingly versatile and can be used in a number of ways in the home.
Whether used as a seed starter for your garden, a craft organizer, or even a paint palette, egg cartons have a myriad of uses. Plus, reusing egg cartons helps to cut down on the amount of waste we create, making it an eco-friendly choice.
4. Old Towels
Old towels may seem like something to throw away, but they can have a second life in your home.
They can be cut into smaller pieces and used as cleaning rags or repurposed into pet bedding. Some people even get crafty and turn old towels into bathmats or reusable shopping bags. Reusing old towels not only saves you money but reduces waste too.
5. Toilet Paper Rolls
Toilet paper rolls may seem insignificant, but they’re another item that people are hiding instead of tossing.
These little cardboard tubes can be used for a variety of crafts and DIY projects. They can be turned into bird feeders, seedling starters, or even organizers for cords and cables.
6. Old T-Shirts
Old t-shirts are a common item that people often throw away, but they can be reused in many ways.
Crafty individuals have turned old t-shirts into things like reusable grocery bags, rag rugs, or even trendy new clothing items. They’re also perfect for cleaning rags, since t-shirt material is typically soft and won’t scratch surfaces.
7. Plastic Grocery Bags
Plastic grocery bags are a big contributor to environmental pollution. But many people are finding ways to reuse these bags instead of throwing them away.
They can be used as trash can liners, packing material, or even crocheted into durable reusable shopping bags. Whatever the case, reusing these bags can significantly cut down on plastic waste.
8. Wine Corks
Wine corks are another item that people are hiding instead of tossing.
They can be used for a variety of DIY projects, from corkboard walls to trivets to even garden markers. Plus, reusing wine corks helps to reduce the demand for cork, which is harvested from trees and can contribute to deforestation.
9. Old Newspapers
Old newspapers are another item that people often throw away, but they can be reused in a number of ways.
They can be used as wrapping paper, compost material, or even as a way to clean windows. Plus, reusing newspapers reduces the demand for new paper, which can help to conserve trees.
10. Light Bulbs
Burned out light bulbs might seem like trash, but they can actually be reused in a number of ways.
With a little creativity, they can be transformed into beautiful home decor items. They can be painted and hung as ornaments, or filled with water and used as mini-vases for flowers.
11. Old Bedding
Old bedding, like sheets and pillowcases, is another item that people often throw away. But these items can be reused in a number of ways.
Old sheets can be used as drop cloths for painting, or cut into pieces and used as cleaning rags. Pillowcases can be used as laundry bags or even as covers for outdoor plants to protect them from frost.
12. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds might seem like trash, but they can actually be reused in a number of ways.
They can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants, or even as a natural exfoliant in homemade beauty products. Plus, reusing coffee grounds helps to reduce waste and can be a fun way to experiment with DIY projects.
13. Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles are a big contributor to environmental pollution. But many people are finding ways to reuse these bottles instead of throwing them away.
They can be used as planters, bird feeders, or even as storage containers. Whatever the case, reusing plastic bottles can significantly cut down on plastic waste.