11 creative ways to use a water bottle instead of recycling it

Water bottles are probably one of the easiest and most versatile products to upcycle, or give a new purpose to. 

Credit: mashable composite, makeit-loveit.com, violetpaperwings, nwf.org

There are thousands of crafts and interesting ways for you to use either plastic or glass bottles, so try giving your bottle a useful makeover.

1. Clean your drain

With just a few simple incisions you can avoid the dreaded smell and toxic fumes of drain cleaner and make your own de-clogger. 

2. Wasp trap

We all need to help save the bee population, but wasps are a bit different. You definitely want to rid of the stinging, house-eaters before it turns into something like this monster nest. 

3. Paint dabbers

An easy craft for kids or if you've finished your adult coloring books already. You can also use the bottom of soda bottles to make a cherry blossom painting. 

4. Glass pasta (or anything) holders

The water that comes in glass jars tends to be more expensive, so get the most bang for your buck and turn them into super convenient and stylish storage containers.  

5. No-sew zipper bottle containers

A simple way to organize your art supplies, travel makeup brushes, or even snacks. Anything "no-sew" you can sign us up for. 

6. DIY spray paint container

If you have the perfect color in a regular can but need to convert it to a spray, this is much simpler (and cheaper!) than bringing it to a hardware store to be put into a spray can. 

7. Sprinkler

There is certainly no age limit on summer fun, and if you're too ashamed to go to a toy store and buy one for yourself, this is an easy craft. Anyone can enjoy this idea, even a moose looking to cool off. 

8. Dog toy

Dogs should be supervised when using this just in case they break through the sock to the plastic; ingesting plastic is potentially dangerous. However, for the curious pups that like to go hunting for their fun or treats, they'll love burrowing into this DIY toy.

9. Planter

This planter is self watering, as the string threaded through the cap absorbs the water at the bottom half of the bottle. This is especially great for grasses and other fairly leafy plants. 

10. Glass bottle mini ecosystem

A super cool idea! All you need for this DIY project is some shells or stones, water, a freshwater arthropod, and pond scum. You know, things you have lying around the house. But seriously, most of these things can be purchased at your local pet store. 

11. Hummingbird feeder

Give back to the environment and help your garden flourish. This one has only a few steps, but will feed many happy hummingbirds with sugar water. 

UPDATE: Sep. 18, 2023, 1:32 p.m. AEST This article was originally published Apr. 2016, and has since been updated Sept. 2023.