You crack open a can of tuna, make a sandwich (or maybe a quick tuna melt), and then… toss the can. Done, right?
Not so fast.
That little tin you’re about to chuck in the recycling bin? It’s actually a hidden gem. Turns out, tuna cans are the unsung heroes of the upcycling world. Small, sturdy, and oddly versatile, they can be turned into everything from home decor to ultra-practical storage.
So before you throw it out—read this first. Because once you see how much gold you’ve been tossing in the trash, you might never look at a tuna can the same way again.
Why Tuna Cans Are Actually Kind of Brilliant
Let’s think about it. Tuna cans are:
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Compact and durable
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Made of metal that’s easy to clean and reuse
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Already shaped for all kinds of projects (no sawing or sanding needed)
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Stackable and uniform, which makes them great for organizing
And the best part? You already have them.
Whether you’re into crafty DIYs, low-waste living, or just love a good “wait, you made that from what?!” moment, tuna cans are a low-effort, high-reward material. Here’s how to make the most of them.
1. Tea Light Holders That Actually Look Chic
Let’s start simple.
Once cleaned, tuna cans are the perfect size for tea lights. You can drop in a candle as-is, or go full Pinterest and create custom holders by:
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Wrapping the can with jute rope or washi tape
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Painting them matte black or gold for a modern look
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Adding small handles for a lantern-style vibe
Line a few up on your patio table and boom—instant ambiance, zero cost.
2. Desk Organizers That Don’t Look Like Junk
Tired of your desk looking like a pen explosion?
Glue a few tuna cans together—side by side or stacked like a pyramid—and you’ve got a mini organizer that holds pens, paperclips, thumbtacks, hair ties… whatever chaos lives on your desk.
You can:
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Spray paint them all one color for a clean, modern finish
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Add decorative paper or fabric for a softer look
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Use magnets to attach them to a metal board or fridge
Who needs IKEA?
3. Mini Planters for Herbs or Succulents
Indoor gardening is all the rage—and tuna cans make perfect mini pots.
Just poke a few drainage holes in the bottom, fill with soil, and plant tiny succulents, cacti, or fresh herbs like basil and mint. You can line them up on a sunny windowsill or mount them on a piece of reclaimed wood for a vertical garden.
Pro tip: Label each one with a chalkboard sticker or hand-painted name tag. Now you’ve got cute and useful.
4. Homemade Candles (That Smell Better Than Store-Bought)
If you’re feeling crafty (and a little bit fancy), tuna cans make ideal candle molds. Here’s how:
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Clean and dry the can
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Place a candle wick in the center
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Melt wax flakes or old candles and pour into the can
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Add a few drops of essential oil (lavender, citrus, vanilla—you do you)
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Let it cool and trim the wick
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And there you go—gorgeous, gift-worthy candles in less than an hour.
5. Magnetic Spice Tins for the Kitchen
This one’s a game changer.
Tuna cans are just the right size to hold small amounts of spices, tea, or baking supplies. Add a strong magnet to the back and stick them to your fridge or a magnetic board. You now have a custom, space-saving spice rack.
Bonus points if you:
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Label each lid with a marker or printable sticker
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Add clear plastic to the lid (or just go lid-free)
It’s like giving your kitchen a glow-up without spending a cent.
6. Tiny Tool Bins for the Garage or Craft Room
If you’re handy (or live with someone who is), you know how fast nails, screws, washers, and tiny parts can take over a drawer.
Use tuna cans as mini storage bins. Label them, stack them, or screw them onto a board in rows so they tilt forward like a tool station. No more hunting through a million ziplock bags to find the right bolt.
It’s surprisingly satisfying.
7. Kid-Friendly Crafts (Without the Glitter Explosion)
If you’ve got little ones at home, tuna cans = the ultimate crafting canvas.
With a little adult supervision (especially for sharp edges), kids can turn cans into:
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Drums for a DIY band
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Mini treasure chests
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Animal figurines (eyes, ears, pipe cleaner tails—the works)
Just grab some paint, googly eyes, and imagination. Hours of screen-free fun, right there.
8. Jewelry Holders and Trinket Dishes
We all have that one spot where earrings, rings, and hair clips go to disappear.
Tuna cans to the rescue. Line the inside with felt, velvet, or patterned paper and you’ve got instant catch-all dishes. Stack a few for a tiered jewelry stand, or keep one by your bed for nightstand essentials.
Who knew something so simple could look so elegant?
A Few Quick Tips Before You Start
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Clean thoroughly: Rinse with soap and hot water, remove labels, and dry completely.
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Smooth edges: Use a bit of sandpaper or edge protector if the rim feels sharp.
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Don’t microwave or cook with reused cans: These projects are strictly for storage, decor, or dry goods.
The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters
Sure, reusing tuna cans is fun, creative, and kind of addictive. But it’s also a small act of resistance against throwaway culture.
Every time you reuse something instead of tossing it, you:
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Keep waste out of landfills
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Reduce the need for new products
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Save money
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Stretch your creativity in totally unexpected ways
And let’s be real—there’s something deeply satisfying about turning “trash” into something beautiful or useful.
Final Thoughts: Think Before You Toss
The next time you finish your lunch and go to throw out that little can—pause.
That’s not trash. That’s a candle holder. A spice tin. A tiny planter. A hidden gem waiting for its second act.
Because with just a little creativity (and maybe a glue gun), even the humblest tuna can can turn into something kind of amazing.
And who knows? The next time someone asks where you got that cool little organizer or mini herb pot, you’ll get to smile and say, “Oh that? Just a tuna can.”
