8 Genius Ways to Reuse Tuna Cans (You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner)

You know the drill: pop open a can of tuna, whip up a sandwich (maybe you’re like me and can’t resist a melty tuna melt now and then), and then… right into the recycling goes the empty can. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Well, not so fast, my friend.

That little metal can you’re about to toss? It’s kind of a secret superstar sitting on your countertop. I swear, tuna cans are like little treasures hiding in plain sight. Seriously, they might not look like much, but they’re incredibly sturdy, just the right size, and can be transformed into everything from darling home accents to super practical storage.

So before you pitch it into the bin—just hang on a second and keep reading. Once you see how many ways these unassuming cans can be put to good use, I promise you’ll look at tuna night in a whole new way.

Why Tuna Cans Are Actually Kind of Brilliant

Let’s take a minute and think about it. Tuna cans are:

• Small and strong. They won’t crush, and they hold up surprisingly well—ask me how I know.
• They’re made of metal that scrubs up easily and can handle being reused.
• No need to break out any fancy tools—these little guys are perfectly shaped already for all kinds of projects. No sawing, no sanding.
• Stackable and all the same size, which, let’s be honest, makes organizing a breeze.

And the best part of all this? These cans are just sitting there, ready and waiting for you—no special shopping trip needed.

Whether you’re the crafty type, dipping your toe into eco-friendly living, or just love those “wait, that’s made from WHAT?” projects, tuna cans are your secret weapon. They’re easy, flexible, and so satisfying to upcycle. Let’s dive into a few of my favorite ways to use them.

1. Tea Light Holders That Actually Look Chic

Let’s kick things off with something super simple.

Once you’ve cleaned your can, it’s basically tailor-made for tea lights. You can just pop a candle right in there, or get a little crafty (this is where it gets fun) by:

• Wrapping the outside with jute twine, yarn, or your prettiest washi tape (I have too much of that in my drawer, not judging if you do too!)
• A quick coat of black, navy, or gold paint gives any can an instant modern vibe.
• If you really want to show off, attach a little wire handle and you’ve got a miniature lantern for your next backyard dinner.

Scatter a few down the middle of your patio table for cozy ambiance—no fancy purchase required and you won’t be heartbroken if the weather gets drizzly.

2. Desk Organizers That Don’t Look Like Junk

Let me tell you, if your desk looks anything like mine after a busy week (ahem, kids’ homework, bills, my mystery pen collection), you’ll love this one.

Just glue a few tuna cans together in a straight row or pyramid and you’ve got a homemade organizer that corrals pens, paperclips, teensy sticky notes, rubber bands—basically, anything that migrates across your desk.

For an extra polish, you can:

• Give all the cans a coat of matching spray paint. So clean, so simple.
• Wrap them with leftover fabric or that cute scrapbook paper you bought on sale and never used.
• If you’re feeling clever, pop a magnet on the back and attach them to a filing cabinet or the fridge.

IKEA, who? Custom organizers for the win.

3. Mini Planters for Herbs or Succulents

This one might be my favorite, especially if you love a little green in the kitchen or on your windowsill—who doesn’t?

Drill or poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage, then fill up with some potting soil and tuck in your favorite baby plant. Succulents, little cacti, or even a couple sprigs of basil or mint (bonus: makes your kitchen smell amazing).

Group them together for a sweet little garden or mount a few to a wooden board to create a vertical herb wall. It’s way easier than it sounds.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to label them: chalkboard stickers or even a paint pen will make each one as cute as it is practical. I may have a windowsill full of “basil,” “thyme,” and “mystery sprout”—it’s all part of the fun.

4. Homemade Candles (That Smell Better Than Store-Bought)

If you’re feeling a little crafty—and don’t mind melting some wax on a cozy afternoon—tuna cans make the perfect (and thriftiest) candle mold.

• Clean and dry your can (your nose will thank you).
• Tuck a candle wick right in the center.
• Melt some wax (leftover bits from nearly-finished candles work great—again, ask me how I know) and pour it carefully into the can.
• Drop in your favorite scent with a few drops of essential oil—lavender if you want to relax, citrus for a pick-me-up, or a kitchen-y vanilla.
• Let the whole thing cool and trim your wick.

In less than an hour, you’ve got yourself beautiful candles—the kind you’d pay way too much for at the boutique. Tie with a little ribbon and you’ve got a gift to tuck into a friend’s mailbox “just because.”

5. Magnetic Spice Tins for the Kitchen

Oh, this is a game-changer if, like me, your spice cabinet is a tiny avalanche waiting to happen.

Tuna cans are just right for holding a handful of spices (or tea bags, or sprinkles—no judgment). Glue a strong magnet onto the bottom, and stick them right on your fridge or a magnetic board. You’ve got an instant, space-saving spice collection nobody else on the block will have.

If you want to go the extra mile:

• Label the lids with a marker or a pretty printable sticker.
• You can even add a circle of clear plastic to the top. Or skip the lid altogether for an open look.

Suddenly, your kitchen feels fresh and a little bit fancy—without a shopping spree.

6. Tiny Tool Bins for the Garage or Craft Room

Now, for my handy folks—or anyone with a messy junk drawer (guilty!). You know those random screws, nails, buttons, and rubber bands that always go missing?

Tuna cans to the rescue! Use them as mini storage bins: label them, stack them, or—my favorite—screw them straight onto a piece of wood so they tilt forward like those cool garage hardware stations. No more digging through a sea of Ziplocs and mystery parts to find what you need.

There is something surprisingly satisfying about a neat little row of organized doodads, I have to say.

7. Kid-Friendly Crafts (Without the Glitter Explosion)

Have school-age kids or grandkids who love to get crafty? Tuna cans are your blank canvas—and best of all, you won’t be picking glitter out of the carpet for months (been there).

With just a bit of grown-up help (watch those edges!), even the littlest crafters can make:

• Drums for a homemade band (spoons make great drumsticks, by the way)
• Treasure chests for tiny collections (every kid in my house has one full of rocks and “fossils”)
• Cute animal characters with pipe cleaner tails, googly eyes, and felt ears—it’s amazing what imagination can do

Hand them some paint, a fistful of googly eyes, and you’ve just scored hours of old-school, screen-free fun.

8. Jewelry Holders and Trinket Dishes

We all have that one spot where earrings, bobby pins, and tiny treasures love to disappear—mine is right next to my bed.

Line a tuna can with a little felt or velvet, or maybe that pleasing pattern from an old greeting card, and you’ve got the sweetest catch-all for your bits and baubles. Stack a few up for a charming tiered jewelry stand, or just plop one on your dresser or nightstand for those things you take off at the end of a long day.

It honestly looks so much fancier than you’d expect—nobody would ever guess where it started out.

A Few Quick Tips Before You Start

• Give ‘em a good scrub: Warm soapy water is your friend; peeling off the label and letting it dry totally keeps things from smelling fishy.
• Smooth those edges: I either use a little sandpaper, or in a pinch, the side of a spoon works. There’s edge protector tape, too, if you’re extra cautious.
• Don’t cook or heat with reused cans: These are strictly for storage and crafts—no more popping them into the oven or microwave, okay?

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

Okay, yes—upcycling tuna cans is a fun, creative rabbit hole (and a little bit addictive). But more than that, it’s a tiny way of pushing back against our “use it and lose it” culture.

Every time you get creative and reuse something, you’re doing a few things (all of them wonderful):

• Keeping one less thing out of the landfill
• Cutting down on the demand for new “stuff”—and all the packaging that comes with it
• Making your wallet just a little bit happier
• Giving yourself a mini creative challenge—and the joy that comes with making something from nothing

And I don’t know about you, but I get a real glow from turning something “useless” into something pretty or helpful—it’s a tiny act of magic in my day.

Final Thoughts: Think Before You Toss

Next time you finish your quick lunch and reach for that recycling bin, take a little pause.

You’re not looking at trash. You’re looking at a candle holder, or a spice tin, or a pint-sized planter just waiting for its moment in the sun.

With just a dash of creativity (and maybe a trusty glue gun or favorite paint), even the humblest tuna can is ready for a second act—maybe one that’ll make you smile every time you see it.

And if someone asks where you got that adorable organizer or those little herb pots? You get to lean in and say, “Oh those? Just a tuna can.” Who’d have thought?