Is it OK to reuse glass bottles? Yes. Recycling is possible and encouraged worldwide. Extra care is needed if the bottles will be used to store anything perishable, edible, cosmetic, or similar products. If you are not sure how safe it will be then follow the product’s recommended procedures for safe storage.
You can use glass bottles for many different arts and crafts projects so you will most likely run out of bottles way before you run out of ideas. This website is dedicated to making great things out of old glass containers so you should get plenty of inspiration here.
What can you do with empty glass bottles?
Three of my favorite ideas are:
- Lamps: You can make funky firefly lamps from glass bottles by inserting battery operated lamp kits into wine bottles. If you are feeling really adventurous you can cut the bottom off the bottle using a bottle cutter and insert an Edison bulb to make a cool industrial style retro lamp.
- Glasses: If the bottles are smaller beer sized bottles then you can make some really nice drinking glasses. Drinking a beer out of a glass made from the same brand would be great and quite a talking point.
- Candles: Making candles is a great way to use that old glass bottle. Cut the bottle in half and turn the bottom into a wonderful scented candle. Spoil yourself or make a great gift for someone.
- Tiki Torch: Make a really cool tiki torch really easily with a cool kit from Amazon.
How many times can a glass bottle be recycled?
Theoretically, there is no limit to how many times a glass bottle can be recycled. If you are intending to use it in its current form then the bottle needs to be put through a vigorous cleaning and sterilization process. This process also includes a thorough visual inspection for defects in the glass to ensure it can be safely used.
If the glass is not going to be used in its current form as it may have a crack or the shape may not be required then it will be broken down into fine chips called ‘cullet’. These are then melted down and re-molded into new glass bottles and containers which can then be safely used.
Colored glass has to be strictly separated from clear glass as just one single-colored glass bottle can contaminate a whole batch of clear glass.
What else can I do with empty wine bottles?
- Soap container: Using the metal spout from an olive oil pourer can turn that old wine bottle into a nice soap dispenser. Handy if you bulk buy and have big soap bottles.
- Table feature: Getting a clear wine bottle and filling it with different layers of colored sand will make a nice feature for your living room or dining room table
- Vase: If you have a single large flower like a rose then you can use a bottle to make a simple makeshift vase. Add a ribbon to the bottle for a bit of extra creative flair.
- Bird feeder: Filling the bottle with seeds and then suspending it neck down 1cm above a flat surface. This will allow a small pile of seed to spill out but not far enough to empty the whole bottle.
- Bottle tree: If outdoor chic is more your thing then you can get some sturdy steel rods and some coat-hangers and make yourself a bottle tree. Wind the coat-hangers around the steel rods like branches on a tree and then place your bottles onto them. If you have many colored bottles this will make it look more vibrant and exciting.
Can I reuse glass jars?
Of course, you can. Glass jars are just as, if not more versatile than glass bottles when it comes to re-purposing them. Some of my favorite way of reusing glass jars are:
- Candles: Making candles is one of my favorite used for old or unwanted jars as they are great for containing what you have just made. If the jar is quite plain you can add some color to the wax when making the candle to make it look more appealing.
- Lamps: Using larger jars such as mason jars are perfect for a nice lamp making project. If you have kids then a battery operated set of lights will make this project safe for them to do. They will not only have fun making it but they will be able to use their creativity and show it to their friends when they visit.
- Cocktail glasses: Many cafes, bars, and restaurants have started using jars to serve fancy cocktails so why not you? Just grab your favorite recipe book some jars and straws and you are away. Sitting in the garden with friends would be much more fun when you are enjoying expensive looking trendy cocktails at home for a fraction of the price. Add to the atmosphere some jar candles, tiki lamps, or firefly bottles.
- Incense holders: Enjoy incense? Then keep a jar or 2 handy. Fill them with sand and then insert your incense sticks into them before lighting. The sand will keep your incense nice and upright and the jar neck should be wide enough for you to catch the burnt incense as it falls from the sticks during the burning process.
- Food jars: An oldie but a goodie. After making sure your jars are suitably clean then you can put your food creations into them. Some of my favorite creations are jams, sauces, and chutneys. They don’t last as long as I don’t use additives to preserve them but they taste great.
- Stationary holder: Keeping all your pens, pencils and sundries may be a bit of a nuisance but a nice jar can make things so much easier. If you feel your jar lack that certain style then you can always get an etching set and personalize them to make them look great.
- Reward jar: Kids love treats so why not have a reward jar so they can see just how well they are doing? Every time they do something well, be it a household chore, a test a school, or something else you want to reward them for pop something in their jar.
Related Questions
What else can I reuse? If you think hard enough you can reuse just about anything but to keep things easy here I will mention plastic bottles and cans. These 2 items are most commonly found in our recycling along with glass.
Plastic bottles can be used to make things like bird feeders or battery-operated bottle lights. Tin cans can be reused to make candles, stationery holders, incense holders, and more. Be careful when working with cans as they have sharp edges so use the correct tools and safety equipment.
Can I store glass bottles? Yes, you can keep glass bottles and containers for many years. You will need to clean them thoroughly before using them if they have been stored for any length of time. If you are planning to use them to store food or other similar products then ensure you have cleaned and sterilized them appropriately before use.
If you have stored your bottles for a long period of time then you should also carry out a thorough visual inspection of all your bottles and containers, if you find any cracks or chips then place them into your regular recycling bins so they can be broken down and made into new glass.
Looking to make money from crafts?
Click here to learn how with our step-by-step guide showing you everything you need to know.