How can I reuse or recycle old (now empty) chocolate boxes?

Box of chocolatesWe’ve already covered a number of Valentine’s Day type things:

And while we’ve thought about the wrapping on individual chocolates, we haven’t thought about the chocolate boxes themselves.

Some of them – particularly the high end, Valentine’s Day ish ones – are quite pretty and I’ve used them in the past for storing letters and the like. But what about other reuses? Have

Some boxes have formed plastic to hold the individual chocolates – like cake packaging – so it would be great if anyone had recycling ideas for those too.

Best Suggestions

  • Reduce: When giving chocolates (or buying them for yourself, mmm), look for packaging that’s easier to reuse or recycle – perhaps a sturdy cardboard box or even a big tin of them?
  • Reuse: Use boxes for storing letters, craft supplies (boxes with compartments for individual chocolates are great for beads, buttons, screws & washers), or jewellery.
  • Use them again: Make your own chocolates, truffles or fudge as next year’s Valentine’s gift!
  • Recycle: Cardboard boxes can be recycled with paper and other light card (like cereal boxes) but remember to remove any plastic inserts and “windows” first. Metal chocolate tins can usually be recycled with tin cans.

(Photo by lynnc)

(Oh and hello people from i-am-bored.com! :) )

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household, items, packaging, Valentines

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15 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle old (now empty) chocolate boxes?”


  1. Sarah says:

    I’ve used them to package wedding gifts.

  2. hel says:

    Pass on the chocolatey joy – make your own chocolates (truffles are easy and fun to make), put them in the box and give as a gift to somebody else (even better if you can encourage them to do the same!)

  3. ashelynn says:

    I’ve used the clear, hard-plastic, heart-shaped ones for dry flower buds. Just use something to take the labels off and the goo that holds them, drill two small holes in the back to accomodate hanging, and snip the buds off of dried roses. Then, using hot glue (straight on to the rosebud; it will melt the plastic container) place buds close together, use a small amount of super glue around the edge of the lid to keep secure, hang, and enjoy! The great thing is, your dried flowers won’t get dusty.

  4. karen says:

    How about using the tops for next year’s homemade valentines? Maybe they’ll even retain their chocolate scent. :)

  5. karen says:

    How about using the tops for next year’s homemade valentines? Maybe they’ll even retain their chocolate scent!

  6. Heather says:

    use them for storing little items…it’s always nice opening up a pretty box of buttons, pins, jewellery you don’t wear anymore but want to keep, seashells, etc.

  7. jenn says:

    use them for decopauge….cut pictures out of magazines and glue them on and cover with decopauge seal

  8. Kim says:

    The plastic trays that hold the individual chocolates can be used as ice trays. If you use fruit juice instead of plain water, they make mini-ice lolly type treats for children (or adults).

  9. fishcake_random says:

    The trays that come in chocolate boxes are usualy perfect for vodka jellys or individual jellys for partys etc.
    The pretty boxes are always good for storage or gift giving.
    The dried flowers can be used as
    poperi (sp) or sewn into little bags to use in wardrobe or drawer to scent it.
    The cards can have the pictures cut out for cute tags for gifts or craft uses and dont forget the backs are usually blank so use it for a shopping list or notes.
    I sometimes reuse wrapping paper as drawer liners or to cover books etc.

  10. Gulia says:

    It’s nice to store stationary in it. Then your cards and letters will smell of chocolate. Sweet!

  11. Tyra says:

    I wash it out with soap and water in order to make sure it does not attract rats and store make up i no longer use or use on very rare occasions.

  12. Shukura says:

    Decorative Jewelry Box:

    Decorate your pretty heart shaped boxes, attach a handle to the top, keeping the chocolate dividers inside to separate each pair of earrings, rings, etc. Put them in your drawer or stack them on your table or dresser. You can save a lot of money with these. When your finished, go to your local bed and bath store to see how much they charge for the same thing!!

  13. angela byrne says:

    i am looking for a black magic chocolate box from the 60s if anyone out there has one. it is for a play even if i could borrow if i would send it back safe.
    many thanks
    angela

  14. Victoria says:

    I’d keep my stationary in it, so it smells chocolaty.



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