How to Make a Decorative Trash Can Planter in Minutes
Do you have an old trash can sitting around and not sure what to do with it? Instead of tossing it, why not turn it into something useful like a trash can planter?
This DIY project is perfect for repurposing household items while adding a unique, personalized touch to your garden.
With just a few materials, you can create an eye-catching planter that’s both functional and budget-friendly.
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
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Tools and Materials
- Old trash can (any size will do)
- Rubber stair tread or doormat
- Strong adhesive (in matching color or clear)
- Clamps and twine
- Silver Rub and Buff wax
- Paper towel or your fingers for application
- Wood burning tool (for creating drainage holes)
- Soil and plants of your choice
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1. Prep Your Trash Can
Start by grabbing your old trash can. Remove the lid but don’t toss it—you’ll use it later.
Next, grab a rubber stair tread or, if you’re working with a larger trash can, a rubber doormat works well too.
You’ll want something with a lattice design to give your planter an interesting texture.
2. Attach the Rubber Stair Tread
Now, using a strong adhesive, cover the back of the stair tread and wrap it tightly around the trash can.
Be sure to use an adhesive that matches the color of your garbage can—for instance, black in this case—or go with one that dries clear.
Secure everything in place using clamps and some twine to hold it steady while it dries. Let the adhesive set for about 24 hours.
3. Add Decorative Touches
Once the adhesive is dry, remove the clamps and twine.
Your trash can planter should now look like a textured ceramic pot. To give it an antique, weathered finish, use a small amount of silver Rub and Buff.
Using a paper towel (or even your fingers), gently rub the wax onto the raised areas of the lattice design.
Add a little to the bottom of the trash can as well to complete the vintage look.
4. Create Drainage Holes
We will fill the trash can lid with soil and a plant, so it needs to be prepared. Create drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
For this, use a wood burning tool. It easily slices through the plastic without cracking or damaging the material. Make several small holes at the bottom to ensure proper drainage.
Flip the trash can lid upside down and place it back into the top of the can.
The swinging part of the lid won’t function anymore, but that’s okay.
5. Add Soil and Plants
Now that your planter is ready, it's time to fill the lid with soil.
Next, add your favorite plants.
Ready to DIY more planters?
How to Make a Trash Can Planter - A Simple DIY Tutorial
There you have it! Turning a trash can into a planter is a fun and practical way to reuse something you might otherwise throw away.
Not only is this project cost-effective, but it also gives you the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. Whether you place it on your patio or in your garden, your new garbage can planter is sure to impress.
Have any questions or tips to share? Leave a comment below.
Comments
Join the conversation
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This makes a great idea for houseplants. Thanks for the idea 😀
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Wow I love this. It is so cool looking.
It would be a great hiding spot for some delivers if you used a fake plant in it. In your delivery instruction tell them to lift the plant and put in the package, of course big ones won't fit but small ones would.
Frequently asked questions
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