Welcome to 2018, the year of recycling and repurposing. No one likes to create extra waste, and with ever-evolving ideas on how to repurpose your old goods, you may never have to throw anything out again. You are almost certain to have an old five gallon bucket laying around somewhere…or 2, or 3, or 4. No matter how many of these buckets you have, this list will help you find a great use for all of them. Here are 20 great ideas for repurposing five gallon buckets.
Adorable Bird House
Making a bird house is a classic hobby. It is so fun, and fairly easy to do. The best thing about bucket bird houses is that they have even more interior space for the birds to enjoy.
Chicken Feeder
Feeding and watering chickens can be quite a hassle – and EXPENSIVE. Fortunately, this DIY bucket chicken feeder takes the cost and stress out of raising chickens. Now you can enjoy time nurturing your pets rather than stressing endlessly about how to feed them.
DIY Seats
Every backyard could use more furniture. These bucket seats are an easy way to add more room to a space. The best part is that you can decorate them however you want, so they are sure to fit in with whatever theme you’d like.
Rocket Stove
Is having a rocket stove ever a bad idea? I’m pretty sure the answer is no – they have so many great uses! Whether you’re planning on camping or staying at home, this is one craft you’ll be glad you made for years to come.
Aquaponic System
If you have ever thought about going off-the-grid or just cutting down on your power usage, this is the idea for you. An aquaponic system combines aquaculture and hydroponics; in other words, it works to promote all water life. Check out this tutorial and think about a cool new way to power your home.
Compost Tea Brewer
Compost is an amazing tool for any gardener. This compost tea brewer is simple to make and super rewarding. Your plants will definitely thank you for the extra nutrients you are providing for them.
Garden Protector
If you have a garden, you know that there are a lot of creatures who would just love to gobble up your plants. Gallon buckets are so versatile, they can even be repurposed into garden protectors. This tutorial will show you how it’s done, and you will be able to keep your plants safe from unwelcome nibblers.
Rice Planter
Store bought rice isn’t always as fresh as we would like it to be. You might have never thought of growing your own rice before, but honestly, it is a good idea. Five gallon buckets can make the job even simpler – prepare to step your dinners up a notch!
Patio Umbrella Stand
Summer is just around the corner, which means so is endless sunshine. If you don’t already have trees shading your home, you will definitely want an umbrella to help keep the place cool. Luckily, your old five gallon bucket is the perfect tool for the task.
Side Tables
This adorable craft actually makes stellar side tables for your living room or other common areas. These tables are so nice, you would never know they had been repurposed from a five gallon bucket. Upcycling definitely has its advantages when you know how to look.
Patio Table
DIY tables are so cute. This craft is the perfect way to make any space your own. Decorate the table any way you would like, and you have a piece of furniture that is all you.
Art Storage Unit
Every artist knows that you can never have too many options. Keep ALL your art supplies in one place with this awesome bucket-repurposing craft. Now you will never again have to leave a set of paints behind, or anything else your artsy heart may desire.
Portable Camping Toilet
Camping can be rough, especially when you wish a bathroom was near. This portable camping toilet make from a five gallon bucket just might save you some trouble. The pool noodle makes for a soft seat. Happy camping!
Solar Powered Air Cooler
Solar powered anything is the way to go. Why waste money and electricity when you can get your energy from the sun. Now you can cool your air without the typical AC.
Bag Dispenser
We all wonder where to put our bags. Of course we don’t want to throw them away, but can we really find a good spot for them? The answer is yes! This bag dispenser is the perfect space to store and access your bags. Problem solved.
Upside Down Tomato Planter
Hanging gardens save space and make for easy-to-reach planters. If you love tomatoes, this DIY planter is perfect for you. Now you can have the ripest, freshest tomatoes right at your fingertips.
Get Creative
This Play-Doh costume is just too cute. Five gallon buckets are the perfect starting points for creative costumes and crafts. This is just such a fantastic idea for a young one!
Emergency Kit
It is never too early to be prepared for an emergency. Five gallon buckets make the perfect storage space for all kinds of disaster kits. They are easy to stack, too, so you might as well prepare for as many mishaps as possible.
Mouse Trap
No one likes to think about mice living in their home – unless they keep them as pets – but if you do see a mouse it will be good to be prepared. This bucket craft creates a mouse trap that will catch twice the mice without twice the hassle. Now you won’t have to spray toxic fumes in your home just to get rid of the uninvited creatures!
Vertical Strawberry Farm
Strawberries are delicious and nutritious, making them the perfect fruit to grow in your back yard. With a five gallon bucket, you don’t even need that much land! This adorable little fruit farm is sure to be well worth the investment.
Five gallon buckets are good for so many things, you’ll be glad you had an extra pair laying around for all these years. Any one of these crafts would make a great next project. Let us know which one you like best.