13 Ways You Should Be Repurposing Protein Powder Containers

If you're into fitness or increasing your protein intake, you likely have a stash of large, empty protein powder containers you don't know what to do with. Before tossing them into the recycling bin, why not give them a chance at a second life by repurposing them into a functional container for something else? Repurposing common household items not only extends their usefulness but can also dramatically reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Deciding to become more green can start with little things like using cloth shopping bags, choosing products made from recycled materials, and repurposing old pitchers around the house – or old protein powder containers. 

Furthermore, while reusing bulky plastic containers helps reduce waste, it also adds some practical organization to your home, like in the pantry for storing flour, sugar, or pasta, or in the playroom for kids' toys. It can also become a decorative item like a vase or planter. To begin repurposing a protein powder container, rinse it out and remove the label with a popular ingredient you probably have on hand: hydrogen peroxide. This also helps remove the leftover sticky residue. Now, you pretty much have a blank canvas to create anything that tickles your fancy. Check out these 13 cool ideas to help spark your imagination and turn an empty protein powder jar into a functional vessel.

Transform a protein powder container into a table lamp that's both useful and beautiful. You can hot glue your favorite book jacket to the exterior or decorate the container in any way that brings you joy. For the base of the lamp, place a tall candlestick inside the container, then put the shade on top. Stick wireless LED puck lights (a three-pack on Amazon is $18) to the inside of the shade; these lights have more functions than just giving your closet the light it needs. Once done, place this DIY lamp on a nightstand or entryway table.

Whether you like your coffee in pods, ground, or just loose beans, you can bring personalization and flair to your coffee station by storing your coffee away in an airtight DIY package made out of a protein powder container. Similarly, you could use it to hold any dry goods you might purchase in bulk, like flour, rice, or pasta, and place it in the pantry. The repurposed container can be creatively customized however you desire, either with a simple label or with a more intricate design that adds an aesthetic appeal to your home.

Drill a few drainage holes into the bottom of an old protein powder container, cut off the top, and then fill it with soil for a sturdy, functional DIY planter for herbs, flowers, small vegetables, or other plants. Decorate the exterior to add a colorful display to your patio, garden, or windowsill. If the lid is the right size, put it underneath the container to help maintain a consistent water level, catch excess water, and keep the area stain-free. Because protein powder containers are typically made of tough plastic, this could be kept either inside or outside.

For crafty types, empty protein powder containers can be a lifesaver for storing leftover scraps of fabric, yarn, buttons, or paint brushes. If you have kids, they also make great containers for keeping their school supplies, like colored pencils, crayons, and glue sticks, more organized. These containers have a wide opening that also makes it easier to quickly grab whatever you need. Further, this is a great DIY craft to keep your kids busy designing their container's labels. Labeling the containers will also make it easier to find what you need fast.

To create a gorgeous centerpiece for a table or island, disguise your large empty protein powder container as an oversized vase for your faux stems. We promise, no one will be the wiser! Just apply Perfect Plaster Pottery & Ceramic Casting Material (sold on Amazon for $15) to the outside and let it dry, which usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Sand it as much as you want or leave a few imperfections for a more textured look. Then, get creative with your new vase by adding paint, graphics, or anything else that expresses your style.

Create your own special snack jar filled with healthy foods, like protein-rich snacks, dried fruit, trail mix, or anything else you crave. These awesome kitchen pantry organizers are super easy to grab with you on the go, so you'll always have a smart snack within arms' reach. When you're not traveling, simply store them on your countertop for easy access or in the pantry. They're also a clever way to shake and mix up the contents without everything flying out and are big enough to hold plenty of snacks to share with your whole crew.

If your kids' toys come with a million little pieces that often get lost, an empty protein powder container can help. It can keep things more organized, like accessories for dolls, stuffed animals, Legos, action figures, or toy cars. Plus, kids can easily grab the container to take it with them when traveling. When playing, they can dump out the container and then fill it back up when they're done. Your kids can even decorate the containers with stickers or paint to make them their very own.

If your protein powder container is translucent red, you're halfway to creating a pretty holiday lantern. Using your imagination and a white paint pen (a two-pack is available on Amazon for $7) that writes on plastic, draw your favorite winter scene onto the container. Next, use a hot glue gun to secure the fairy light's battery compartment to the underside of the lid. Pro tip: Use fairy lights with a timer (sold for $6 on Amazon) so they will come on automatically every day. Lastly, top off the lantern with your favorite bow and/or a handle.

No matter who you are, there's a high probability that you have many odd socks and have given up understanding how one sock from a slew of pairs goes missing. Instead of tossing them, put the singles in an empty protein powder container. The odds of the other one showing up one day when you least expect it are ever in your favor, and this way, you'll be prepared when it does. If you can't find the missing pair, you can then repurpose those old socks around your home in useful ways.

Empty protein powder containers can also help you keep your fitness momentum going when you turn them into sturdy weights for at-home use. Just fill the container to the weight you want with cement or sand. Add a heavy-duty stainless steel chain (sold on Amazon for less than $13) to the sides for a handle. You can also use a foam pool noodle to cover the chain and offer a soft grip when lifting your new weights. When working out, you could tie the containers around your waist to add more weight to your pull-up routine.

One wacky but completely genius way to repurpose empty protein powder jugs is to use them as legs for a modern-looking coffee table. This DIY takes a bit of imagination, but the end result is totally worth it. Cut particle board into any shape for the top of the table, then secure the protein powder containers to the corners. Next, add plaster onto everything, let it dry, and then paint the table any color. While this coffee table might not be as tall as other options, it will bring a completely unique look into your living room.

If you're saving up for something special or you want to teach your kids the value of money, try turning a protein powder container into a piggy bank. Simply make a slit in the lid for coins and bills, then decorate your new savings jar with images of the vacation you're saving up for or anything else that inspires you and your kids to start saving money. Once you've got enough money saved up to reach your goals, you can just screw off the lid and empty out the container.

An empty protein powder container has a slew of practical uses in your garden — no decorating required. As garden cloches, they offer extra protection for seedlings and seeds during colder months when placed upside down over them. Or, you can fill the containers with compost, including leftover grass clippings and kitchen scraps, to elevate your sustainable gardening efforts. They can also make carrying plant fertilizer and water to harder-to-reach areas around the garden much easier. Keep these versatile jars in your gardening shed so they're ready to be repurposed whenever you need a large container for any reason.