Here are 10 brilliant ways to reuse empty toilet paper rolls instead of throwing them away. These simple, inexpensive ideas can help you organize your home, start a garden, and even entertain children.
1. Organize Cables and Charging Cords
Empty toilet paper rolls are perfect for preventing tangled cables.
How to do it:
- Roll each charging cable, HDMI cable, or extension cord into a neat loop.
- Slide it inside the cardboard tube.
- Label the outside with a marker (e.g., “Phone Charger,” “HDMI,” or “USB-C”).
Benefits:
- Keeps drawers tidy.
- Makes cables easy to identify.
- Prevents cords from knotting together.
2. Seed Starters for Gardening
Because cardboard is biodegradable, it makes an excellent seed-starting pot.
How to do it:
- Cut four small slits (about 2–3 cm) at one end.
- Fold the flaps inward to create a bottom.
- Fill with potting soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Water regularly.
When the seedlings are ready, plant the entire tube directly into the garden. The cardboard naturally decomposes.
Best for:
- Tomatoes
- Herbs
- Flowers
- Peppers
3. Drawer Organizers
Keep small household items neatly separated.
Great for storing:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Belts
- Hair ties
- Scarves
- Craft supplies
Simply stand several tubes upright inside a drawer to create individual compartments.
4. Bird Feeder
Make an easy bird feeder using household ingredients.
You’ll need:
- Toilet paper roll
- Peanut butter (or sunflower butter)
- Birdseed
- String (optional)
Instructions:
- Spread peanut butter around the outside.
- Roll it in birdseed.
- Slide it onto a tree branch or hang it with string.
Birds will enjoy the treat while the cardboard eventually breaks down naturally.
5. Fire Starters for Camping or Fireplaces
Toilet paper rolls make excellent homemade fire starters.
Materials:
- Dryer lint
- Wax (optional)
Fill the roll tightly with dryer lint. For a longer-burning starter, dip the filled roll in melted candle wax and let it cool.
These ignite easily and help start:
- Campfires
- Wood stoves
- Fire pits
- Fireplaces
6. Gift Wrapping for Small Items
Create attractive gift packaging for jewellery, cash, gift cards, or small treats.
Instructions:
- Place the gift inside the tube.
- Fold both ends inward.
- Decorate with wrapping paper, ribbon, paint, or stickers.
The result is a small pillow-shaped gift box.
7. Desk Organizer
Reduce clutter on your desk by using tubes as holders.
They work well for:
- Pens
- Pencils
- Markers
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
Glue several rolls together and attach them to a piece of cardboard for a custom desktop organizer.
8. Kids’ Craft Projects
Cardboard tubes are ideal for creative activities.
Children can make:
- Binoculars
- Rockets
- Animals
- Castles
- Race cars
- Holiday decorations
Decorate with:
- Paint
- Coloured paper
- Googly eyes
- Glitter
- Pipe cleaners
These projects encourage creativity while reusing household materials.
9. Napkin Rings
Make decorative napkin rings for parties or family dinners.
How to make them:
- Cut the tube into rings about 2–3 cm wide.
- Wrap with fabric, ribbon, twine, or decorative paper.
- Add beads, flowers, or seasonal decorations.
They’re inexpensive and can be customised for any occasion.
10. Wall Art and Home Decorations
The cardboard is surprisingly useful for decorative projects.
Ideas include:
- Floral wall art
- Wreaths
- Snowflakes
- Holiday ornaments
- Picture frames
Simple flower design:
- Flatten the tube.
- Cut it into thin rings.
- Arrange the rings into flower petals.
- Glue them together.
- Paint any colour you like.
The finished artwork is lightweight, unique, and eco-friendly.
Bonus Tips
- Store rolls in a dry place to prevent mould.
- Remove any remaining paper before using them.
- Avoid reusing tubes that are wet, damaged, or contaminated.
- Paint or cover them with decorative paper to give projects a polished appearance.
Why Reuse Toilet Paper Rolls?
Reusing cardboard tubes offers several benefits:
- Reduces household waste.
- Saves money on storage and craft supplies.
- Encourages creative DIY projects.
- Provides educational activities for children.
- Gives everyday items a second life instead of sending them to landfill.
With a little creativity, something as simple as an empty toilet paper roll can become a practical organiser, gardening tool, decoration, or fun craft project.