How to reuse and recycle your plastic pots
Become an eco-friendlier gardener with our top tips and ideas on how you can reuse or recycle plastic plant pots you no longer need
Once you’re finished planting up your new shrubs, flowers, or fruit and veg, you might be left wondering what to do with all the extra plastic plant pots, or broken ones you need to throw away. How can you recycle plastic plant pots? Can you reuse them in the garden? We’re here to help you answer these common questions!
Find out how you can do your bit to help the planet by sustainably disposing of old, unused plastic plant pots – or if you’re looking to be a savvier gardener, some handy ways you can repurpose old pots around the garden
How To Recycle Plastic Plant Pots
According to the British Plastics Federation, recycling can save 18 million tonnes of Co2 a year. Recycling your plastic plant pots correctly is the best way to ensure they don’t end up in landfills and do the least amount of damage to our planet
The easiest way to recycle your pots is by checking your local council website for details of kerbside recycling or your nearest recycling centre. It’s completely free and easy to do. You can arrange your plant pots to be picked up or dropped off and recycled appropriately
If your plastic pots are made from polypropylene, they can be put in your recycling bin at home. Look for the number 5 symbol on your pot to know if it can be recycled, and don’t forget to fully clean your pots before putting them in the bin
Ways To Reuse Your Plastic Pots
You might be able to repurpose your plastic pots at home instead of recycling them
Old plastic pots can be used in the garden, around the house, and to create eco-friendly crafts with the little ones. You could even pass them on to your gardening friends or donate them to a community garden centre, school, or local allotment. Here are some innovative ways you can upcycle your plant pots:
Extra storage in the garden shed or greenhouse, for example keeping small tools
Garden twine holder: place the ball of string in the pot and pull the twine through the holes in the bottom
Create a bug hotel with the children: simply fill the pot with small rocks, canes and sticks. You can even paint it with fun colours and designs!
Extra pots can be used to propagate plants, pot on young plants, or sow new seeds – just made sure to wash the pots first before adding new soil to them
Cut the base off an old pot and use it as a plant collar. This can be put over a new seedling to protect it from garden pests, such as woodlouse or earwigs
Place pots over tender plants to protect them from frost
Use old pots as a fertiliser or compost scoop
Larger pots can be used for forcing rhubarb or as a garden trug
Hopefully we’ve helped spark some ideas on how you can become an eco-friendlier gardener, either by recycling your old plastic plant pots or reusing them in creative ways. Remember you can always speak to a member of our trusty Green Team in-store for more advice and ideas. And don’t forget to look through our inspiration page for more hints and tips to help you around the house and garden!