What To Do with Old Pots and Pans: 10 Awesome and Easy DIYs
Are you wondering what to do with old pots and pans? I was given the challenge to find different ways to repurpose these and here are some of my favorites!
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Do you have old cookware and don’t know what to do with it? You don’t have to put it in the landfill, you can repurpose and upcycle it into some fun DIYs
What To Do with Old Pots and Pans: 10 Awesome and Easy DIYs Instructions
1. Create a lazy susan
Place 1 pie pan on your table and fill it with marbles.
Place a second pie pan on top and you have a lazy susan. You can use this on your table, in your refrigerator, or to hold cans filled with craft/office supplies
2. Create a shoe tray
Fill a cookie sheet with dollar store rocks and place it by your door.
Set your shoes on it, it’ll protect your floor from getting wet, as well as protect it from dirt, mud, etc.
3. Make a 3 tiered stand
Use a pizza pan as the base. Next, I E6000 glued a glass to the center of the pizza pan.
I placed E6000 on top of the first glass and set a pie pan on top of it. I took a second glass and added E6000 to the top and bottom of that and placed it in the center of the pie pan.
Last I placed a cake pan on the very top and let dry 24 hours. You can use this for serving at an event, or use it in your home to store jewelry, supplies, etc
Here you can find several other tiered tray tutorials, uses, and more.
4. Recycled pots and pans into a planter
I used a bread pan and filled it with dollar store rocks. I placed a fake succulent plant in the center and added 2 battery-operated led lights on the side and covered those with rocks.
I added 2 plants on either side of the succulent that was from a floral arrangement. My battery-operated lights were waterproof so I added water to the pan for the live plants.
Do you want unique planters for your home? I love thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and repurposing what I have. I recently went digging in my stuff as well as on an adventure to these places to find items I could repurpose into planters for the summer! You can find the full tutorial for many of these at 11 Thrift Store Finds For Unique Planters
5 Make a wreath
I hot glued together a bunch of tartlet cups. You could use a stronger glue like E6000 if desired.
Once it is set, hang it somewhere to enjoy
Another option (not pots and pans but might be relevant) It’s time for another exciting DIY project, and today I have a fantastic idea for you—a Fourth of July wooden spoon wreath tutorial! This easy DIY project will help you create a stunning patriotic wreath to celebrate America’s birthday and showcase your patriotic pride. So let’s get started and add a touch of rustic charm to your patriotic decor! You can find the full tutorial at Stunning Patriotic Wreath: An Easy and Unexpected DIY
6. Make a Chalkboard Serving Tray
For this, I painted a cookie sheet with chalkboard paint.
You can find the full tutorial at 2 Easy and Inexpensive Lap Trays
Not only is this good as a lap tray, but you can also use it as a message board.
You might also be interested in a serving tray upcycle tutorial – Chalkboard Message Board
And you can upcycle a serving tray into a cute Metal Multi-Use Tray Upcycle using stencils.
A learning and game tray for kids. Use it with magnetic letters, play tic tac toe, & great for car rides as a lap tray as well!
7. BBQ Menu, Magnet, Utensil Holder, Tray
Add some hanging magnets, BBQ utensils, and you have a Father’s Day gift for dad or a gift for the BBQ lover. You can find the full tutorial at BBQ Menu Tray, Magnet, Utensil Holder, & More
8. A message board
Add some contact paper to a cookie sheet.
Next add a magnetic pen holder, as well as some magnetic clips to hold notepads and post-it notes.
You could also use this as a serving tray
9. Create fun Garden Decor
I spray-painted some of my tart cups white. I E6000 glued 2 Dollar Store glass rocks into the center and let them dry.
Once that dried, I used silicone on the back to secure a kebab skewer.
I let that dry completely and added them to my garden display in my front yard.
10. Recycle bakeware to Create artwork
I spray painted 6 cake pans white, and then I spray painted 1 pie pan gold. I let that dry completely.
I placed the pie pans in a circle and added silicone to the back of the pie pan.
I placed the pie pan in the center and let it dry completely.
I carefully flipped the piece over as it was not very stable. I added some hot glue to the cake pan edges and let that cool
I also added some gaffers tape to secure the piece.
I hung the piece outside on our shed.
11. Make a fire pit or solar fountain
I have a stainless steel fondue pot that I have been wanting to turn into something and I finally figured it out! It’s a table top solar fountain by day and a fire pit at night. You can find the full tutorial at Fondue Pot to Table Top Solar Fountain & Fire Pit
What To Do with Old Pots and Pans: 10 Awesome and Easy DIYs Video
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What To Do with Old Pots and Pans: Q & A
There are several environmentally friendly and practical options for dealing with old pots and pans that you no longer need. Here are some ideas:
Donate:
If your pots and pans are still in good condition, consider donating them to local charities, community centers, or second-hand stores. Some organizations may be in need of kitchenware.
Give to Friends or Family:
Check if friends, family members, or neighbors could use the pots and pans. This way, the items continue to be used rather than being discarded.
Upcycle or Repurpose:
Get creative and find new uses for old pots and pans. They can be repurposed as planters, outdoor decorations, or organizers. Use your imagination to turn them into functional or decorative items.
Sell or Exchange:
If the pots and pans are in good condition and of higher quality, you may consider selling them online through platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or hosting a garage sale. Some retailers also have exchange programs where you can trade in old items for discounts on new purchases.
Recycle:
Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept metal cookware. Many recycling facilities can process metal items, so recycling is an environmentally friendly option.
Art or DIY Projects:
Use old pots and pans for art projects or DIY endeavors. They can be painted, decorated, or repurposed for creative projects.
Local Scrap Yard:
Some areas have scrap yards that accept metal items. You may be able to sell or dispose of the pots and pans responsibly through such facilities.
Contact Local Thrift Stores:
Reach out to local thrift stores or second-hand shops to inquire if they are interested in accepting your old pots and pans.
Check with Local Shelters or Soup Kitchens:
Contact local shelters, soup kitchens, or community organizations to see if they are in need of kitchenware donations.
Remember, the goal is to minimize waste and make sure the pots and pans are either reused, recycled, or disposed of responsibly. Always clean the items thoroughly before donating or repurposing them.
It is recommended that you donate your pots and pans to places like GoodWill or Freecycle. You can also turn them into other items like garden decor, serving trays, and more. Contact your local trash company to see if they accept the pans in the recycle bin or if they need to go into the trash.
There are several options for getting rid of old pans in an environmentally friendly and responsible manner. Here are some suggestions:
Recycling Centers:
Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept metal cookware. Many recycling facilities are equipped to handle metal items like pans. Make sure to clean the pan thoroughly before recycling.
Scrap Metal Collection:
Some areas have scrap metal collection services or facilities that accept old metal items. You may receive some compensation for your old pans if they are made of valuable metals.
Donate or Give Away:
If your pans are still in usable condition, consider donating them to local charities, community centers, or second-hand stores. Some people may be in need of cookware, and this helps reduce waste. (Salvation Army, Goodwill, ARC are some examples)
Local Household Hazardous Waste Programs:
Check with your local government or waste management agency to inquire about household hazardous waste disposal programs. Some programs may accept old pans, especially if they have non-stick coatings.
Upcycling or Repurposing:
Get creative and repurpose your old pans for other uses. For example, you could turn them into planters, outdoor decorations, or even use them as trays. Be sure to clean them thoroughly if you’re repurposing them for non-cooking purposes.
Check with Retailers:
Some retailers have programs that allow you to exchange old items for discounts on new purchases. Check with stores that sell cookware to see if they have any recycling or exchange programs.
Garbage Collection:
If none of the above options are available or suitable, you may need to dispose of the pans with your regular household garbage. However, check with your local waste management guidelines as some areas have specific rules for disposing of metal items.
Remember to consider the environmental impact of your choice and try to opt for recycling or donation whenever possible to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Yes, you can typically dispose of old pots and pans by throwing them away with your regular household garbage. However, it’s important to consider a few things before doing so:
Check Local Regulations: Be aware of any local regulations or guidelines regarding the disposal of metal items. Some areas may have specific rules or recycling programs for metal cookware.
Remove Non-Metal Parts: Before throwing away the pots and pans, remove any non-metal parts, such as plastic or wooden handles. Dispose of these parts separately, following the appropriate guidelines for each material.
Consider Recycling: If your local recycling program accepts metal items, consider recycling the pots and pans instead of throwing them in the trash. Recycling is a more environmentally friendly option.
Donate or Give Away: If the pots and pans are still in good condition, consider donating them to local charities, community centers, or second-hand stores. This way, someone else might be able to use them, reducing waste.
Upcycling or Repurposing: Get creative and find ways to upcycle or repurpose the old pots and pans for non-cooking purposes. For example, they can be used as planters, organizers, or outdoor decorations.
Remember that responsible disposal methods help minimize environmental impact and contribute to sustainability. Always check with your local waste management or recycling center for specific guidelines in your area.
When it comes to repurposing or disposing of old pots and pans, it’s essential to consider the material they are made of, as each type requires a specific approach. Copper cookware, known for its excellent heat conductivity, is a durable and sought-after material. If your copper pots and pans are no longer in use, consider selling them to metal dealers or donating them to organizations like TerraCycle, which specialize in recycling various materials.
Cast iron cookware is another classic choice that stands the test of time. These pieces have a remarkable lifetime, and if they are still in good condition, they can find new homes through donations or sales. If they’ve seen better days, however, ferrous metals like cast iron can be taken to a scrap metal facility for recycling.
On the other hand, aluminum and nonstick cookware might have a limited lifespan. When these items start showing signs of wear, it’s best to explore recycling options. Some local municipalities accept cookware through curbside recycling programs, especially if they are made of aluminum. Nonstick cookware, often coated with Teflon, can pose a health risk if damaged. In such cases, the best option is to bring them to a scrap metal dealer or look for specialized recycling programs that handle nonferrous metals responsibly.
Modern cookware items, such as those made by Calphalon, are often a blend of various materials, including stainless steel and aluminum. These may have metal components that are recyclable, but it’s crucial to check with your local public works or recycling center to ensure proper disposal.
When dealing with old frying pans or small pieces of cookware, a good practice is to use a magnet. If the magnet sticks, it’s likely made of ferrous metal, suitable for recycling at a scrap metal facility.
To make your cookware last longer, regardless of the material, proper care is essential. Regularly cleaning with mild dish detergent and warm water, avoiding dishwasher use, and addressing issues like cracks or loose handles promptly can extend their lifespan.
For those looking for alternative uses, consider repurposing old pots and pans as camping cookware or even as containers for plants or toys. Ceramic bowls, such as those made of Pyrex, can find new life as stylish serving dishes or storage containers.
The best bet for old pots and pans is to explore recycling options, whether through local facilities, metal dealers, or specialized programs like TerraCycle. Choosing responsible disposal methods ensures that even retired cookware contributes positively to environmental sustainability.
Wow! What a lot of great ideas! Definitely saving these for the future. Thankfully garage sale season is finally here.
Thanks Linda, and I’m so excited for garage sale season too!
Love the cake pan stand & cookie try idea. Will certainly try it out. Found you through the Bloggers Pit Stop ?
Thank you and I’m so glad you found one that you like
I can’t decide on a favorite idea but if forced to I think the cookie sheet with all of the ways it can be used. Great ideas!
Thank you Debra, and I’m so glad you like the ideas 🙂
This is better than taking them to the thrift store. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great week and a Happy Holiday.
Thank you Sandra, and thanks so much for stopping by.
I love the lap trays! Those are perfect for road trips (which our family loves). Thanks for sharing all of your awesome repurposed ideas with us at Merry Monday this week!
Thank you Marie and I’m so glad you find them useful too 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
So many ideas, I tend to just use my bakeware for baking , I think I need to be more adventurous! I especially like the wreath with all the little fluted tins, so pretty.
Thank you Julie. I use most of my pans for baking too, the fluted tins I found at a thrift store and they just jumped right into my hands 🙂