16 Recycle Crafts for Kids

With long summer afternoons inviting the kids to mischief, recycle crafts for kids can be a valuable tool of entertainment and distraction. These recycle crafts for kids are low to no cost, using materials from around the house like oatmeal containers and soda cans. Best of all, recycle crafts for kids teach a lesson about the importance of recycling and being aware of our impact on the environment.  Get the whole family involved in making these recycle crafts for kids and you might even reduce your household waste.

Recycling Crafts for Kids Table of Contents

Aluminum Can Crafts

Drink Carton Crafts

Plastic Bottle Crafts

More Recycling Crafts for Kids

Aluminum Can Crafts

1. Smashed Soda Can Animals- Create a funny cow, pig or bear using empty soda cans, paint and felt. This is fun activity and a great way to teach kids about recycling.
   
   
2. Tin Can Critters- These recycle crafts for kids use both tin cans and wastepaper to create a variety of fun and colorful critters.
    
3. Pop Top Cans- Kids can help decorate these reused cans to give as gifts or party favors. Use a safety can opener to prevent sharp edges. They are perfect as Christmas or any gift-giving occasion.
    
4. Picture Card in a Can- Helps will love picking out the pictures for this gift tin made in a recycled tin can. A peanut can or other large aluminum can will work perfectly.

Drink Carton Crafts

1. Making Ice Candles- Use an empty drink carton and an old aluminum can to make your own ice candles. Use soy candle wax or beeswax for a greener alternative to traditional petroleum-derived paraffin wax.
    
2. Upcycled Back Scratcher with Video- Use the caps from your juice or milk carton to create fun fill photo frames for this upcycled back scratcher.
    
3. Recycled Treat Containers: Here drink carton bottle caps make up the nose, eyes and name tag of adorable dog-and-cat treat containers. Use the drink carton as the base for making these fun recycle crafts for kids.  
    
4. Bottle Cap Coaster: Kids will loving making this recycle craft project that's perfect for a rainy day.  Take old milk bottle caps in an array of colors and put together to make flower shapes.

Plastic Bottle Crafts

1. Pink Flower Water Bottle Bracelets- Recycle water bottles into pink flower bracelets for fun recycle crafts for kids.
   
   
2. Cat Bottle Bank- Kids can recycle a 1-liter bottle into an adorable kitten to watch over their allowance.
   
   
3. Dog Bottle Bank- If puppies are more to the kids liking, here is a dog bank made from recycling a 1-liter bottle.
    
4. Plastic Bottle Birdfeeder- Instead of sending more plastic to the landfill, turn a plastic bottle into a fun and functional birdfeeder crafted like a birdhouse.

More Recycling Crafts for Kids

1. Recycled Newspaper Beads- Use old newspaper to create big, circular beads. Kids will love painting and decorating these recycled paper beads.
    
2. Oatmeal Box Pencil Holder- Kids can help make and decorate these pencil holders using recycled materials.
    
3. CD Case Picture Frame- Turn regular jewel cases (CD cases) into hanging picture frames for recycle crafts for kids.
   
   
4. Pizza Box Art- The kids will really get into the spirit of recycling with these fun recycling crafts for kids make on pizza boxes. The pretty egret is made with pieces of CDs.

For even more recycling crafts, see these collections:

8 Ways to Craft with Bottle Caps
11 Earth Day Projects
13 Great Trash to Treasure Crafts