15 Recycling Projects for Kids [Trash to Treasure Crafts and Activities]

With the help of these 61 recycling projects for kids, teach your children the value of recycling. Make the connection for them by transforming garbage into treasure.
Are you working on any recycling projects at the moment?
In that case, you’ll have a lot of bottles, cans, cardboard, and paper. Give your kids a building challenge with it before a recycling company comes to pick it up!

Are you following a theme? Are they able to create anything that fits the topic, if yes? Could they construct pyramids in Egypt? A passage read aloud from a book? A map of your state composed with bottle caps mosaic style?
A fourth-grade class employed a social studies curriculum with an emphasis on Ancient Greece. To fit the idea, they constructed an 8′ by 4′ by 4′ Parthenon made from recyclable cardboard and bottles! Children learn more effectively and have a deeper understanding of concepts when ideas and learning are made tangible via hands-on building.

1. FIVE PIN SOCCER

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Five-pin soccer is a variant of traditional soccer, but played with smaller teams, usually consisting of five players on each side instead of the usual eleven. The smaller team size often leads to a faster-paced and more dynamic game, with players needing to cover more ground and make quicker decisions.

The rules of five-pin soccer are typically similar to regular soccer, with a few modifications to suit the smaller team size and faster pace of play. These modifications might include adjustments to the size of the field, the duration of the match, and possibly even some rules related to substitutions and fouls.

Five-pin soccer can be played both casually, in recreational leagues or pickup games, and competitively, in organized leagues and tournaments. It can be a great way to enjoy the sport of soccer in a more fast-paced and action-packed format, while still retaining many of the core elements and skills of traditional soccer.

2. MAKE RING AND TOSS GAMES!

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Sure! Here are two classic ring and toss games:

Ring Toss:

Set up a series of pegs or posts in the ground, spaced a certain distance apart. You can use wooden pegs or even empty bottles.
Each peg is assigned a different point value, with closer pegs being worth fewer points and farther pegs worth more points.
Players take turns tossing rings (which can be made of rope or plastic) from a designated throwing line, aiming to land the rings onto the pegs.
The player earns points based on which peg the ring lands on. The player with the highest total score after a predetermined number of rounds wins.
Hoopla:

Place a series of upright stakes or pegs in the ground in a circular pattern, forming a hoopla ring. You can use wooden stakes or even create a hoopla board with pegs attached.
Each stake is assigned a different point value, similar to ring toss.
Players stand behind a designated throwing line and toss rings (usually made of rubber or plastic) towards the hoopla ring, aiming to loop them around the stakes.
Rings that successfully loop around a stake earn the player points based on the stake’s value.
The player with the highest total score after a set number of rounds wins the game.
Both ring toss and hoopla are classic carnival games that are enjoyed by people of all ages. They can be played casually for fun or as part of a competitive event with friends and family.

3. MAKE A GIANT BOARD GAME

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Creating a giant board game can be a fun and engaging activity for gatherings or events. Here’s a basic outline to get you started:

1. Choose a Theme:
   • Decide on the theme of your giant board game. It could be based on a popular board game (like Monopoly or Snakes and Ladders) or something entirely original.
2. Design the Game Board:
   • Create a large game board using a large piece of fabric, cardboard, or even chalk on a paved surface. You can draw or paint the spaces and decorations to fit your theme.
   • Make sure the game board has a clear path or layout with defined spaces for players to move along.
3. Decide on Game Mechanics:
   • Determine how players will move along the game board. Will they roll dice, draw cards, spin a wheel, or use some other method?
   • Define the rules for special spaces or actions on the board. For example, landing on certain spaces might result in players gaining or losing points, drawing cards, or completing challenges.
4. Create Game Pieces:
   • Make oversized game pieces for players to move along the board. These could be large cardboard cutouts, inflatable objects, or even costumes that players wear.
   • If your game involves collecting items or tokens, make sure to create large versions of these as well.
5. Add Challenges or Mini-Games:
   • Incorporate fun challenges or mini-games throughout the board that players must complete to progress. These could be physical challenges, trivia questions, or puzzles related to your theme.
   • Offer rewards or penalties based on the outcome of these challenges.
6. Test and Refine:
   • Before hosting your giant board game event, test the game mechanics and rules to ensure everything works smoothly.
   • Make any necessary adjustments or refinements based on feedback from playtesting.
7. Host the Game Event:
   • Set up the giant board game in a large, open space where players have plenty of room to move around.
   • Gather players and explain the rules and objectives of the game.
   • Encourage players to immerse themselves in the theme and have fun as they navigate the giant board.

Remember to tailor the design and complexity of your giant board game to the preferences and abilities of your players, and don’t forget to have plenty of fun!

4.WRAPPING PAPER MATCH GAMES

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A wrapping paper match game is a delightful and engaging activity, especially during parties or festive gatherings. Here’s how you can create and play it:

Materials Needed:

1. Wrapping paper with various patterns or designs.
2. Scissors.
3. Tape.
4. Timer (optional).
5. Prize for the winner (optional).

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Wrapping Paper:
   • Cut out pairs of identical shapes or designs from the wrapping paper. These could be squares, rectangles, circles, or any other shape you prefer.
   • Ensure you have an even number of pairs, with each pair featuring the same pattern or design.
2. Set Up the Game:
   • Lay out all the cut-out shapes face down on a flat surface, such as a table or the floor, in a grid formation. Make sure the shapes are randomly distributed.
3. Play the Game:
   • Gather the players around the grid of shapes.
   • The first player flips over two shapes, trying to find a match. If the shapes match, the player keeps the pair and gets another turn. If not, the shapes are flipped back over, and it becomes the next player’s turn.
   • Players take turns flipping over two shapes at a time, trying to remember the locations of previously revealed shapes to make matches.
   • The game continues until all the pairs have been matched.
   • Optionally, you can set a time limit for each turn to add an extra challenge.
4. Declare a Winner:
   • Once all pairs have been matched, count up the number of pairs each player has collected.
   • The player with the most pairs is declared the winner.
   • If desired, you can offer a prize to the winner or simply celebrate their victory.

Variations:

• To increase the difficulty, use a larger grid with more pairs of shapes.
• Introduce wild cards: select a few unique shapes that can match with any other shape, adding an element of surprise to the game.
• Create themed wrapping paper match games for different occasions, such as holidays or birthdays, by using wrapping paper with corresponding designs.

A wrapping paper match game is not only entertaining but also encourages memory and concentration skills. It’s a fantastic addition to any gathering or celebration!

5. MEMORY GAME

Certainly! Here’s how to play a classic memory game:

Materials Needed:

1. A deck of cards, or you can make your own cards by cutting out pairs of identical shapes or pictures.
2. A flat surface to lay the cards out on.

Instructions:

1. Set Up:
   • Shuffle the deck of cards and lay them out face down in a grid formation, with all cards visible to the players.
   • Make sure the cards are arranged randomly.
2. Playing the Game:
   • The first player flips over two cards, one at a time, trying to find a matching pair.
   • If the two cards match, the player keeps the pair and gets another turn.
   • If the two cards do not match, the player flips them back over, and it becomes the next player’s turn.
   • Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time, trying to remember the locations of previously revealed cards to make matches.
   • The game continues until all pairs have been matched.
3. Winning the Game:
   • Once all pairs have been matched, count up the number of pairs each player has collected.
   • The player with the most pairs is declared the winner.
   • In the case of a tie, players can either share the victory or play additional rounds to determine the ultimate winner.

Variations:

• Increase the difficulty by adding more cards to the grid.
• Create themed memory games by using cards with matching pictures or symbols related to a specific theme, such as animals, colors, or shapes.
• Introduce special cards with unique effects, such as allowing a player to take an extra turn or skip their opponent’s turn.

Memory games are not only fun but also great for improving cognitive skills such as concentration and memory recall. They’re perfect for players of all ages and can be enjoyed solo or with friends and family.

6. RECYCLED TOWER RELAY GAME (This one is fun!)

The Recycled Tower Relay Game is indeed a blast! Here’s how to set it up and play:

Materials Needed:

1. Recycled materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, newspapers, or any other items you can find around the house.
2. Tape or glue to assemble the tower.
3. A timer or stopwatch.
4. An open space to play.

Instructions:

1. Set Up:
   • Divide players into teams, with an equal number of players on each team.
   • Place all the recycled materials in a designated area, ensuring there’s enough for each team to build their towers.
   • Designate a starting line and a finish line, with enough distance between them for players to run back and forth.
2. Building the Tower:
   • At the signal to start, the first player from each team runs to the pile of recycled materials and selects items to build their team’s tower.
   • The player quickly constructs a tower using the recycled materials and secures it with tape or glue.
   • Once the tower is built, the player runs back to tag the next player in line, who then runs to the tower to add another layer.
   • Players continue to build and add layers to their team’s tower, taking turns running back and forth between the starting line and the tower until a predetermined time limit is reached or until all the recycled materials have been used.
3. Scoring:
   • Teams earn points based on the height and stability of their towers. Taller and more stable towers earn more points.
   • You can have judges assess the towers at the end of the game, or you can use a simple scoring system based on predetermined criteria.
4. Winning the Game:
   • The team with the tallest and most stable tower at the end of the game wins.
   • Alternatively, you can award prizes for creativity, teamwork, or other factors in addition to tower height and stability.

Tips:

• Encourage players to be creative with their tower designs and to use a variety of recycled materials.
• Emphasize teamwork and communication among team members to ensure the tower is built efficiently and effectively.
• Have fun and enjoy the creative process of building towers out of recycled materials!

The Recycled Tower Relay Game not only promotes teamwork and creativity but also emphasizes the importance of recycling and sustainability in a fun and engaging way.

7. Idea: OLD SOCKS

Old socks can be repurposed in various creative and practical ways, here are a few ideas:

1. Cleaning Rags: Cut up old socks into smaller pieces and use them as cleaning rags for dusting, wiping surfaces, or polishing shoes. The soft texture of the fabric makes them great for cleaning tasks.
2. Pet Toys: Stuff old socks with other fabric scraps or even catnip to create homemade toys for pets. Tie a knot at the open end to secure the filling and let your furry friend enjoy playing with their new toy.
3. Storage Solutions: Use old socks as storage organizers for small items such as hair accessories, jewelry, or even travel toiletries. Simply place the items inside the sock and tie a knot at the open end to keep them secure.
4. Protective Covers: Slip old socks over delicate items such as glasses, sunglasses, or electronic gadgets to provide extra protection against scratches and dust when not in use.
5. Potpourri Sachets: Fill old socks with dried herbs, potpourri, or aromatic spices and tie a knot at the open end to create homemade sachets. Place them in drawers, closets, or shoes to keep them smelling fresh.
6. Draft Stopper: Fill old socks with rice or dried beans and tie a knot at both ends to create a homemade draft stopper for doors or windows. Simply place the sock along the bottom of the door or window to prevent drafts from entering the room.
7. Gardening Gloves: Slip old socks over your hands as makeshift gardening gloves to protect them while working in the garden. The stretchy fabric provides some protection against dirt and abrasions.

These are just a few ideas to give your old socks a new lease on life. Get creative and see what other uses you can come up with!

8. IDEAS FOR GOLF COURSE

Sure, here are some ideas for a golf course:

1. Theme-based Course: Design the course around a specific theme, such as historical landmarks, famous golf destinations around the world, or even fantasy realms.
2. Championship Course: Create a challenging course with longer holes, strategically placed hazards, and undulating greens to attract serious golfers and host tournaments.
3. Family-Friendly Course: Develop a course with shorter holes, wider fairways, and fewer hazards to make it suitable for families and beginners.
4. Night Golf Course: Install lighting systems to allow for night-time golfing, creating a unique experience for players who want to enjoy the game after sunset.
5. Interactive Features: Incorporate interactive elements like GPS-enabled golf carts, digital scoreboards, or augmented reality apps to enhance the player experience.
6. Environmental Conservation: Design the course with eco-friendly features like native plant landscaping, water-saving irrigation systems, and wildlife habitats to promote environmental sustainability.
7. Links-style Course: Mimic the traditional links-style courses found in Scotland and Ireland, characterized by natural terrain, coastal winds, and challenging bunkers.
8. Urban Golf Course: Utilize unused urban spaces to create a compact golf course, providing city dwellers with convenient access to the game.
9. Themed Holes: Design individual holes based on famous golf courses around the world, iconic landmarks, or even popular movies and books.
10. Wellness-focused Course: Integrate wellness amenities like walking paths, yoga studios, or healthy dining options to promote holistic health and wellness among players.
11. Executive Course: Develop a shorter course with par-3 and par-4 holes, ideal for players looking for a quick round or sharpening their short game skills.
12. Technology-driven Course: Implement advanced technology such as automated ball dispensers, ball-tracking systems, or virtual reality simulators to revolutionize the golfing experience.
13. Multi-course Resort: Create a golf resort with multiple courses catering to different skill levels, accompanied by luxurious accommodations, spas, and fine dining options.
14. Adventure Golf Course: Design a playful course with themed obstacles, tunnels, and water features, appealing to families, parties, and casual outings.
15. Community Engagement: Involve the local community in the design process, incorporating their feedback and preferences to ensure the course meets the needs of the area’s residents and visitors.

9. JUICE CAN STILTS

Juice can stilts are an inventive DIY project where you repurpose empty juice cans to create stilts for walking. They’re a fun way to recycle materials and also provide a novel way to get some exercise and practice balance. To make them, you typically need sturdy cans, like those from large juice containers, and some additional materials like strong tape or rope for handles. After securely attaching the handles to the cans, you can then use them to elevate yourself and walk around, enjoying a unique form of entertainment. Just be sure to use them safely, especially on flat and stable surfaces.

10. COFFEE CAN STILTS

Coffee can stilts are a similar concept to juice can stilts, but instead of using juice cans, you repurpose empty coffee cans. They offer the same opportunity for creativity and exercise, using materials that might otherwise be discarded. The process is much the same as with juice cans; you’ll need to securely attach handles to the cans and ensure they’re stable for walking. With coffee can stilts, you might have a bit more variety in terms of can sizes and designs, depending on the types of coffee you’ve consumed. So, grab some coffee cans, get crafting, and enjoy the fun of walking on stilts!

11. HOW TO MAKE A MANCALA BOARD GAME

Making a Mancala board game is a fun DIY project that requires just a few materials and some basic crafting skills. Here’s a simple guide to make your own Mancala board:

Materials needed:

1. A rectangular piece of wood or sturdy cardboard for the base of the board.
2. 12 small cups or bowls (6 for each player).
3. Small stones, beads, or marbles (48 in total, 4 for each of the 12 cups).
4. Paint, markers, or decorative materials for decorating the board (optional).

Steps to make the Mancala board:

1. Prepare the base: Cut the wood or cardboard into a rectangular shape large enough to accommodate the 12 cups. You can sand the edges for a smoother finish if desired.
2. Arrange the cups: Place six cups along each longer side of the board, evenly spaced out. These will be the pits where players will collect and store their stones.
3. Decorate the board (optional): Use paint, markers, or any decorative materials to personalize your Mancala board. You can paint the cups different colors or add patterns and designs to the board itself.
4. Place the stones: Place four stones in each of the 12 cups, evenly distributing them among all the cups.
5. Play! To play Mancala, each player sits facing the long side of the board and controls the six cups closest to them. The objective is to capture the most stones by strategically moving them around the board according to the game’s rules.

Making your own Mancala board can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, and it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family while playing this ancient game. Enjoy crafting and playing your homemade Mancala board game!

12. BERRY BASKETS

Berry baskets are typically small, square or rectangular containers made of wood, plastic, or cardboard, designed specifically for holding and transporting berries. They often have small holes or perforations to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which helps to keep the berries fresh for longer periods.

These baskets are commonly used by farmers, gardeners, and consumers alike for picking, storing, and displaying various types of berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. They’re convenient for carrying berries from the garden to the kitchen or market without damaging the delicate fruit.

Berry baskets come in different sizes and designs to accommodate different quantities of berries and preferences. They’re also eco-friendly, as many are reusable and recyclable, making them a sustainable option for packaging fresh produce.

Whether you’re picking berries at a local farm or storing them in your fridge, berry baskets are a handy tool for keeping your berries fresh and organized.

 13. CRAFT SCRAPS

Craft scraps refer to leftover materials or remnants from various crafting projects. These scraps can include pieces of fabric, paper, yarn, wood, metal, or any other material commonly used in crafting. While they may seem like waste at first glance, craft scraps can actually be valuable resources for creating new projects and adding unique touches to your crafts.

There are countless ways to repurpose craft scraps:

1. Patchwork quilts: Use fabric scraps to create colorful patchwork squares for quilts or pillows.
2. Collage art: Combine paper scraps, magazine cutouts, and other materials to make collages or mixed media artwork.
3. Scrapbooking: Incorporate paper scraps, stickers, ribbons, and other embellishments into scrapbook layouts.
4. Jewelry making: Transform small fabric scraps or leftover beads into earrings, bracelets, or pendants.
5. Embroidery and needlework: Use yarn or thread scraps to add decorative stitching to fabric projects or create intricate embroidery designs.
6. Home décor: Use wood scraps to make rustic signs, picture frames, or decorative accents for your home.
7. Gift wrapping: Use fabric scraps, yarn, or ribbon remnants to create unique gift wrapping designs.
8. Miniatures and dioramas: Use small scraps to create miniature scenes or dioramas for model making or storytelling.

By getting creative with your craft scraps, you can reduce waste and add personal touches to your projects. Plus, repurposing scraps can be a fun and eco-friendly way to enhance your crafting skills.

14. Baby Food Jar Candles

Making candles in baby food jars is a delightful DIY project that repurposes those cute little jars into something useful and decorative. Here’s a simple guide to making baby food jar candles:

Materials needed:

1. Clean baby food jars with lids
2. Candle wax flakes or old candles for melting
3. Candle wicks
4. Essential oils or candle fragrance (optional)
5. Wax dye (optional)
6. Double boiler or microwave-safe container
7. Heat-resistant spoon or stirring stick
8. Scissors
9. Pencil or chopstick

Steps to make baby food jar candles:

1. Prepare the jars: Make sure the baby food jars are clean and dry. Remove any labels and adhesive residue.
2. Attach the wicks: Place a dab of hot glue at the bottom of the wick tab and stick it to the center of the inside bottom of each jar. Alternatively, you can use a small dot of melted wax to secure the wick in place. Ensure the wick is straight and centered.
3. Melt the wax: In a double boiler or microwave-safe container, melt the candle wax flakes or old candles according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally with a heat-resistant spoon or stirring stick until completely melted.
4. Add fragrance and color (optional): Once the wax is melted, you can add a few drops of essential oils or candle fragrance for scent. If desired, add wax dye to achieve your desired color. Stir well to distribute the fragrance and color evenly throughout the wax.
5. Pour the wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into each baby food jar, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Use a pencil or chopstick to gently guide the wick to stay centered as the wax cools and solidifies.
6. Let the candles cool: Allow the candles to cool and harden completely, usually for several hours or overnight.
7. Trim the wicks: Once the candles have fully set, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch above the surface of the wax.
8. Decorate the jars (optional): If desired, you can decorate the jars with ribbon, twine, or other embellishments to add a personal touch.

Now your baby food jar candles are ready to use or give as gifts! They make charming additions to any home decor and are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy your handmade candles and the satisfaction of upcycling those adorable jars.

15. How to Make Sand Art in a Jar

Creating sand art in a jar is a fun and colorful craft project that results in beautiful layered designs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making sand art in a jar:

Materials needed:

Clear glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Colored sand in various shades
Funnel or small spoon
Toothpick or skewer (optional)
Small paintbrush or cotton swab (optional)
Decorative items like small shells, beads, or figurines (optional)
Steps to make sand art in a jar:

Prepare your workspace: Lay down newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect your work surface from spills and mess.

Select your colors: Choose the colors of sand you’d like to use for your design. You can use a single color for a simple look or multiple colors for a more vibrant design.

Layer the sand: Begin by pouring a small amount of one color of sand into the bottom of the jar. You can use a funnel to help direct the sand into the jar and create even layers. Alternatively, use a small spoon to carefully pour and spread the sand.

Create patterns or designs: After each layer of sand, you can create patterns or designs by gently tapping the jar to level the sand or using a toothpick or skewer to create swirls or other shapes. Be creative and experiment with different techniques!

Continue layering: Add more layers of sand in different colors, alternating between colors to create contrast and visual interest. Continue layering until the jar is almost full, leaving a small space at the top to allow for movement when shaking the jar.

Seal the jar: Once you’re satisfied with your sand art design, carefully screw the lid onto the jar to seal it shut. Make sure the lid is secure to prevent any sand from spilling out.

Optional embellishments: If desired, you can add decorative items like small shells, beads, or figurines to the top of the sand layers before sealing the jar. Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to gently position the embellishments as desired.

Display and enjoy: Your sand art jar is now complete! Display it on a shelf or tabletop where it can be admired, or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift to friends or family.

Making sand art in a jar is a relaxing and enjoyable craft activity that allows you to express your creativity and create beautiful decorative pieces. Have fun experimenting with different colors and designs to make unique sand art creations!