How can I reuse or recycle washing powder boxes?

washing-powder-boxWe’ve had a “clever reuse” email from Terri:

I’ve been using old washing powder boxes instead of box files. I get the big flip top lid boxes and they’re really sturdy and stackable. Much better than recycling the cardboard and buying new boxes!

Great idea, Terri.

Some powders are very perfumed or smell strongly of chemicals so you’d probably have to be careful about storing certain things in there but they’ll be perfect for things .. you won’t be licking ;)

We’ve asked about reducing the amount of washing powder packaging used but anyone got any other ideas for reusing the boxes?

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7 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle washing powder boxes?”


  1. Cipollina says:

    I use them as bases for papier-mâché projects. Right now I’m making small altars and shrines, and they’re perfect for that together with cereal- and rice boxes of varying sizes.

  2. Jennifer says:

    They might work well for storing back issues of magazines.

  3. kittykat says:

    They are wonderful to use as shoe boxes because of that smell: it’s usually pleasant, and insects (like spiders) hate it. I also bunch up newspaper to put in my sneakers before putting them in the box because it absorbs moisture. This system keeps your old ratty sneakers
    usable (and out of the landfill) much longer.

  4. Shorty says:

    Wrap them in wrapping paper and give them to the kids to use as blocks. Also can be done with toilet paper rolls and boxes of any shapes and sizes.

  5. Put garden things in them: Kitty litter, opened packets of soil, compost mix and fertiliser. I love KittyKat’s idea of using them as shoe boxes, though. Brilliant!

  6. Victoria says:

    Wipe them well inside, decorate and store pillowcases or towels.

  7. Oksana says:

    Make your own detergent and store in those boxes.



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