That is a fantastic and very popular sentiment in the world of upcycling and DIY! Tuna cans are indeed incredibly versatile and should never just be thrown away.
The phrase “worth their weight in gold” usually refers to the clever and practical ways you can reuse them around the house, garden, or for crafts. Here is a comprehensive list of the best ways to reuse tuna cans, turning that trash into treasure.
In the Garden & Workshop
Tuna cans are the perfect size for a variety of tasks involving small items and plants.
-
Seed Starters: Punch a few small holes in the bottom for drainage, fill with potting soil, and you have the perfect biodegradable (if you remove the can later) or reusable pot for starting seedlings.
-
Organizer for Small Hardware: Clean the can thoroughly and use it to sort nails, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, or small drill bits on your workbench. You can even magnetize the bottom to turn it into a holder for pins, paperclips, or small screwdrivers.
-
Paint Holder: When doing touch-up painting, a tuna can is the perfect size to hold a small amount of paint. It’s stable and you don’t have to carry a heavy gallon can around.
-
Pest Deterrent (Slugs and Snails): Sink a clean tuna can into the soil up to its rim and fill it with beer. Slugs and snails are attracted to the beer, crawl in, and drown. This is a classic, chemical-free pest control method.
In the Kitchen
Their original purpose makes them great for food-related organization.
-
Biscuit/Cookie Cutter: Remove both the top and bottom lids carefully (creating an open cylinder). You now have a perfectly round cutter for biscuits, scones, or cookies. You can even gently bend the metal into other shapes like hearts or ovals.
-
Ring Mold for Plating: Use the open cylinder (with both ends removed) as a mold on a plate to create perfectly round stacks of rice, mashed potatoes, or finely diced vegetables for an elegant presentation.
-
Portion Control: Use the can to measure out perfect portions of broth, stock, or other liquids for freezing in recipe-ready amounts.
Around the House & for Crafts
This is where creativity really shines.
-
Cord and Cable Organizer: Keep extension cords, strings of holiday lights, or ropes neatly coiled and stored inside a can. Cut a small slot in the plastic lid (if you saved one) to feed the end of the cord through for easy access.
-
DIY Candle Holder/Mold:
-
As a Mold: Place a smaller, empty can (like a tomato paste can) inside a tuna can, centered. Melt old candle wax, pour it into the tuna can around the small can, and let it set to create a beautiful pillar candle. Insert a wick before the wax hardens.
-
As a Holder: Place a small tealight or votive candle inside a clean tuna can. For a decorative effect, fill the can with water to the top, freeze it, then use a hammer and nail to punch a decorative pattern of holes in the sides. The ice prevents the can from denting. Once the ice melts, you have a beautiful, glowing lantern.
-
-
Mini Trinket Dish or Catch-All: Paint or decoupage a clean can and use it on your desk or nightstand to hold jewelry, paperclips, keys, or loose change.
-
DIY Bird Feeder: Make a simple bird feeder by suspending a tuna can horizontally with wire. Fill it with birdseed. Ensure the edges are smooth and sanded down so they aren’t sharp.
-
Soap Dish: Place a clean can upside down on a bathroom sink. The ridges on the bottom can help a wet bar of soap drain and not get soggy.
Important Safety Tip: Handling Sharp Edges
Before using any tuna can for these projects, always ensure the rim is smooth and not sharp.
-
After emptying and washing the can, run your finger carefully around the inside rim.
-
If it’s sharp, use a metal file or a few passes with a manual can opener to smooth it down.
-
For some crafts, you can also use a layer of hot glue, washi tape, or duct tape to cover the edge for safety and decoration.
So, before you toss that next tuna can in the recycling bin, take a second look—it might just be the perfect tool for your next project