In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that approximately 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) were generated in the United States. Of this, around 24% (69 million tons) were recycled, and roughly 9% (25 million tons) were composted. The remainder 68% was disposed of in landfills. While these figures can vary from year to year, they give an impression of the scale of waste generation and landfill disposal in the U.S. alone.
Even for a company like WM, whose business involves waste management, landfilling waste is one of the least preferred options. Not only do some materials decompose very slowly in landfills (or not at all), organic waste, like paper products, produces methane gas when left to decompose in anaerobic (low-oxygen) conditions, a potent contributor to climate change. Recycling, composting, and reuse are more sustainable alternatives that can mitigate these negative effects while promoting a more responsible and eco-friendly approach to waste management.
Creating art from recycled materials is a fun and easy way to get kids excited about recycling and reusing common household waste items. Art projects that repurpose waste materials also encourage creativity and raise awareness about recycling and environmental sustainability. These projects can serve as a source of inspiration and a platform for environmental education.
Popular Recycled Art Materials for Kids
Numerous types of waste materials can be diverted from landfills and repurposed for art projects, showcasing the creative potential of recycling. From egg cartons, to used grocery bags, twigs, old newspapers, and more, the only limit is your own creativity.
Some of the most used recycled art materials are:
Paper and Cardboard
Old newspapers, magazines, milk cartons, and used paper can be used for papier-mâché, collages, and sculptures.
Plastic Bottles
Empty plastic bottles can be transformed into sculptures, flower vases, and even light fixtures.
Twigs and Wood Scraps
Leftover wood scraps can be used for creating wooden sculptures, wall art, or functional pieces like furniture.
Metal Cans
Tin cans can be painted and turned into plant pots, lanterns, or wind chimes.
Old Textiles
Worn-out clothing and fabrics can be used in textile art, quilting, or assemblage art.
Shopping Bags
Paper and plastic shopping bags can be decorated and reused or integrated into a wide range of art projects.
Fabric Scraps
Leftover fabric scraps can be used for patchwork quilting, textile art, or even fashion design.
Art as Education
Teaching kids to make recycled art goes beyond just the art itself; it’s an educational and holistic experience that promotes environmental responsibility, creativity, and personal development. It empowers children to become more environmentally conscious and better-equipped individuals for the future. Arts and crafts projects contribute to a student’s holistic development by facilitating creative exploration, problem-solving, emotional expression, and a range of valuable skills. These types of creative activities are also known to improve fine motor skills, divergent thinking, and instill a sense of cultural awareness as well as aesthetic appreciation.
Download Our Free Activity GuideIntroduce fun exercises creating reusable art to emphasize waste reduction by downloading WM’s free Recycled Art Activities Guide for Kids. Filled with 11 engaging, hands-on arts and crafts projects, this step-by-step guide will help develop your elementary school age students into sustainability superheroes. Have fun teaching students about waste reduction by incorporating these art projects into seasonal activities or integrating them with curriculum units. |
More Recycled Art Ideas
Making recycled art isn’t just for kids – it’s a great activity for budding artists of all ages. Looking for recycled art ideas that might be more appropriate for teens and adults? Here are some less traditional items that can be turned into beautiful works of art.
Bottle Caps
Plastic or metal bottle caps can be used to create mosaics, wall art, or even as components in sculptures.
Electronic Components
Old electronic devices, circuit boards, and computer parts can be disassembled and used in assemblage art or sculpture.
Broken Ceramics
Chipped or broken ceramics can be repurposed into mosaic art, where they are arranged to form intricate patterns or pictures.
Tires
Old tires can be upcycled into garden sculptures, swings, or even furniture.
CDs and DVDs
Outdated CDs and DVDs can be used to create dazzling reflective art, such as mosaics or sculptures.
Keys
Old keys, such as those that are no longer in use, can be fashioned into jewelry or incorporated into mixed-media artwork.
Bottle Corks
Wine corks can be utilized to craft bulletin boards, trivets, and even small figurines.
Foil
Aluminum foil can be shaped into sculptures or used as a background for painting or mixed-media art.
Share Your Creations
Did you or your class create something using our guide? Are you an artist working with recycled materials? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us and share your creations.
