20 Creative Ways to Repurpose Empty Tuna Cans (Step-by-Step Guide)

When most people finish a can of tuna, they rinse it out and toss it into the recycling bin. But with a little creativity, these small, sturdy containers can be transformed into practical, stylish, and eco-friendly household items. Repurposing tuna cans not only helps the environment but also allows you to craft unique pieces for your home without spending extra money.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 creative, step-by-step ways to reuse empty tuna cans—from DIY candle holders and planters to storage solutions and decorative crafts.

Why Repurpose Empty Tuna Cans?

Before jumping into the ideas, let’s understand why tuna cans are such a versatile material for upcycling:

1. Durable – Made from metal, they can withstand heat, pressure, and long-term use.
2. Budget-Friendly – You already have them at home, so no extra cost.
3. Eco-Conscious – Repurposing reduces waste and helps the planet.
4. Customizable – Paint, fabric, twine, or paper can transform them into stylish décor.
5. Multi-Purpose – Suitable for the kitchen, office, garden, or bathroom.

1. DIY Candle Holders

Step-by-Step:

1. Clean and dry the tuna can.
2. Melt candle wax in a heat-safe container.
3. Add essential oils (lavender, vanilla, or citrus).
4. Place a wick in the center of the can.
5. Carefully pour the melted wax into the can.
6. Let it cool and harden.

Tip: Decorate the outside with spray paint, twine, or lace for a rustic finish.

2. Mini Herb Planters

Step-by-Step:

1. Drill 2–3 drainage holes in the bottom of the can.
2. Fill with soil.
3. Plant herbs like basil, parsley, or mint.
4. Place near a window for sunlight.

Creative Twist: Paint the cans with chalkboard paint and write the herb names for easy labeling.

3. Succulent Containers

Succulents thrive in shallow containers, making tuna cans perfect.

Steps:

• Line the bottom with small pebbles.
• Add cactus soil.
• Plant succulents and decorate with colored stones.

4. Desk Organizers

If your desk is cluttered with pens and clips, tuna cans are a simple solution.

Steps:

1. Paint or wrap the can in decorative paper.
2. Use one can for pens, another for scissors, and another for paper clips.
3. Glue several cans together to form a desk caddy.

5. DIY Baking Molds

Because tuna cans are oven-safe, they can double as mini baking molds.

How to Use:

1. Remove labels and wash the can well.
2. Grease the inside with butter or oil.
3. Pour in cake, quiche, or bread batter.
4. Bake as usual.

Warning: Always smooth sharp edges with a file before cooking.

6. Outdoor Candle Lanterns

Steps:

1. Punch small decorative holes around the sides using a hammer and nail.
2. Place a tea light or LED candle inside.
3. Light it up and watch the patterns glow.

Upgrade Idea: Spray paint them gold or black for an elegant outdoor look.

7. Magnetic Kitchen Spice Holders

Steps:

1. Glue strong magnets to the back of the cans.
2. Fill them with spices.
3. Stick them to your fridge or a magnetic board.

Result: A modern, space-saving spice rack.

8. Jewelry Holders

Steps:

1. Line the inside with velvet or felt.
2. Use it to hold rings, earrings, or bracelets.
3. Stack several to create a tiered display.

9. Sewing Kit with Pincushion

Steps:

1. Fill the can with small sewing supplies (thread, needles, scissors).
2. Cover the lid with fabric and stuffing to make a pincushion.
3. Use pins directly on the cushion while storing the rest inside.

10. Rustic Wall Art

Steps:

1. Wrap the can with twine, rope, or burlap.
2. Mount it on a wooden board with screws.
3. Fill it with faux flowers, candles, or decorative stones.

11. DIY Bird Feeder

Steps:

1. Drill two small holes opposite each other near the top edge.
2. Thread a rope through for hanging.
3. Fill with birdseed.
4. Hang from a tree branch.

Benefit: Attracts birds while recycling your cans.

12. Bathroom Storage

Steps:

1. Paint or cover cans with waterproof adhesive paper.
2. Use them to store cotton balls, Q-tips, hair ties, or makeup brushes.
3. Arrange neatly on shelves.

13. Tuna Can Clock

Steps:

1. Buy a clock mechanism kit online.
2. Drill a hole in the center of the can.
3. Install the clock hands.
4. Decorate the face with stickers or paint.

14. Craft Supply Holders

Perfect for crafters who need small storage.

Steps:

• Use cans to hold beads, buttons, or pins.
• Decorate with colorful tape.
• Stack them for easy access.

15. Snack Containers

Steps:

1. Wash and dry the can.
2. Fill with nuts, dried fruit, or candy.
3. Cover with beeswax wrap or a reusable lid.

16. Party Serving Dishes

Steps:

1. Decorate the cans to match your party theme.
2. Use them to serve dips, sauces, or condiments.
3. Arrange several cans on a tray for a rustic buffet display.

17. Mini Gift Baskets

Steps:

1. Line the can with decorative paper.
2. Fill with candies, small gifts, or beauty samples.
3. Wrap with clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon.

18. Pinwheel Candle Centerpieces

Steps:

1. Place candles inside the cans.
2. Attach colorful paper pinwheels to the outside.
3. Use as a table centerpiece for summer parties.

19. DIY Storage for Hardware

Steps:

• Store nails, screws, washers, or bolts.
• Label each can.
• Stack or place on shelves in the garage.

20. Kids’ Craft Projects

Ideas:

• Drums for pretend play.
• Painted cans for pencil holders.
• Mini planters for school gardening projects.

Final Thoughts

Empty tuna cans may look like trash at first glance, but with imagination, they can be transformed into useful, decorative, and eco-friendly items. From candle holders and planters to storage organizers and party decorations, the possibilities are endless. Next time you open a can of tuna, don’t throw it away—repurpose it into something creative, practical, and stylish.