There are many ways to reduce waste and go green, and getting creative with recycled goods is an excellent approach. All you need to make a difference is a commitment to recycling and a little imagination. You can repurpose household items as interesting and attractive decorations.

5 Items to Recycle as Home Décor

1. Picture Frames

If you have a stack of frames that are old or don’t go together, don’t toss them in the trash. Instead, buy spray paint and make them all the same color. Slip photos or prints inside to create an eclectic display that still has a cohesive look.

2. Milk Crates

Many people have old milk crates buried in storage, but they’re not just containers for odds and ends. Clean them, give them a coat of paint, and stack them for use as shelves for books, clothes, toys, and kitchen items. If you’re crafty, use one or two as a base for a stool or end table.

3. Pillows

Pillows lose fluffiness over time, but they still can be repurposed. Combine the stuffing of several to create a new throw pillow, or cover a few in durable fabric to make a comfortable cushion for your pet.

4. Paper

Paper is a common item in recycling bins, but it also can be upcycled at home. Use scraps of leftover wallpaper and wrapping paper, colorful magazine pages, and newspaper to line open shelves. This will not only add a decorative element but protect the shelves from surface damage.

5. Dinnerware

Glass dinnerware can be recycled, but these items also can be used to create trendy decorations. Use teacups as votive holders and group them on your table to create a centerpiece, or use trays and plates as wall art. You even can break apart damaged items and set the pieces in cement to create a mosaic.

If you have items you can’t repurpose, Marangi Disposal in Valley Cottage, NY, can take them off your hands and deal with them responsibly. They provide recycling and waste management solutions throughout the region. To learn more about the services offered by this family-owned company, including industrial waste removal, visit their website. Call (800) 595-7660 to arrange garbage and recycling pickup.