Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to encourage festive creativity in kids, and it can also be a wonderful opportunity to do unique recycling. By using old items that may end up in landfills, you can create decorations for the Thanksgiving table and make items that your family will use for years to come.

What Crafts Can You Make With Items From Your Recycling Bin?

1. Leaf Jars

If you have old glass jars lying around, they may make the perfect centerpieces for your holiday table. Pick up some leaves from the yard and paint them orange and yellow to match the season; then, use adhesive to attach them to the inside of the glass. You can add just one or two, or cover the entire surface with a collage of leaves. To make them stand out even more, add battery-powered candles to illuminate them from the inside.

2. Can Turkeys

Turn old cans into festive turkeys with paper and paint. You can either cover the can with a sheet of brown paper or have your kids paint it. Next, glue small strips of colorful paper to it to depict the tail, wings, and facial features. Once it’s complete, use it to hold utensils or art supplies.

3. Newspaper Signs

If you want to create signs or banners to put on your walls this holiday, recycled newspaper can serve as the perfect backdrop. Have your kids cut the paper into pieces; then, glue them together to make the sign’s backdrop look like a collage. Mount the paper on a piece of cardboard to make the banner sturdy. Next, paint “Happy Thanksgiving” or other festive messages over the newspaper.

As you make these crafts, make sure to put any leftover supplies out to the curb for recycling. For almost 20 years, Rainbow Waste Services in Kapolei, HI, has provided Oahu homeowners with reliable recycling and garbage collection. View their full list of services online, or call (808) 682-4797 to schedule a pickup.