What To Do With Empty Baby Formula Tins

Bubs Australia

What to do with empty baby formula tins

If your baby or toddler drinks formula, chances are your recycling bin is filled with empty tins. While aluminium is an infinitely recyclable material, another way to extend the life of an empty tin is to put it to good use in and around your home. The sturdy tins are the perfect size for corralling small items — whether crafty, personal, or household items. But they can also make unique home accessories, too. Here are some formula tin ideas to get you started.

Creative camouflage for your Bubs baby formula tins

Of course, we love the Bubs labelling, but in most cases, you’ll want to give your tin some creative camouflage. Before starting any repurposing project, thoroughly wash and dry the Bubs formula tin (and the lid if you plan to use it). Depending on your free time, creative motivation, and intended use, cover the outside of the tin with one (or more!) of these materials:

  • Contact paper
  • Craft paper 
  • Stamps 
  • Stickers
  • Peel-and-stick wallpaper scraps
  • Decoupage 
  • Burlap
  • Fabric scraps
  • Acrylic craft paint
  • Rope/twine
  • Spray paint
  • Ribbons.

Baby supply storage

One great use for an empty formula tin is holding nappies, creams, or your bub’s favourite organic snacks.

Store hair care supplies

Fill it with hair styling sprays, tubes, and bottles in the bathroom.

Bedside table makeup storage

Keep one on your dresser top to hold makeup brushes, eye and lip pencils, and mascaras.

Home office storage

Given the shape, another use for a baby formula tin is storing pens and pencils or charger cords and small device accessories in your home office.

Stationary storage for kids

Stash texters, coloured pencils, scissors, and paintbrushes in one or more tins; keep tiny craft materials like beads neat and orderly in a lidded tin.

Keep your small garden accessories in one place

Keep zip ties, herb snippers, and small garden tools easily accessible on a shed shelf.

Storing or gifting homemade sweets like cookies

Create custom lidded tins for storing or gifting homemade cookies and other sweets.

Use as a meal prep aid

Dump fruit and vegetable scraps in an empty tin as you prepare your meal, then take it outside to compost.

Potted plant display

Fill the tin with potted plants (throw a few pebbles on the bottom for drainage) and display them in a sunny spot. 

Fill with fresh flowers for a decorative centre-piece

Arrange fresh flowers in one or more tins on your dining table or mantle (odd-numbered groupings are especially pretty).

Make homemade decorative lighting

Make homemade luminaries using nails or a screwdriver to punch holes in a decorative pattern, then add a flameless candle or fairy lights. 

With so many great uses for empty formula tins, you can give these handy containers a brand new lease on life. How will you upcycle your tin?

If you have a story about trying goat milk, send it to hello@bubsaustralia.com. We’d love to chat to you!