As someone who’s always looking for ways to reduce waste and live more sustainably, I’ve found that cardboard tubes are one of the most versatile and reusable packaging materials out there. Instead of tossing them into the recycling bin right away, I like to get creative and find new purposes for them. Whether it’s organizing my space, crafting fun projects, or even enhancing my garden, paper tubes have proven to be surprisingly useful.
If you’re like me and want to give your paper tubes a second life, here are some creative and practical ways to reuse them.
1. Organize Your Space
One of the easiest ways to reuse paper tube packaging is for organizing things around the house. I’ve turned them into:
- Desk Organizers: I cut the tubes into different heights, decorated them with washi tape, and used them to store my pens, markers, and scissors. It’s simple, and it keeps my desk clutter-free.
- Cable Wrappers: I slide my tangled cords into cardboard tubes to keep them neat. I even label them so I know which cord is which!
- Drawer Dividers: Rolling up small items like socks, ties, or jewelry into sections made from paper tubes has transformed my messy drawers into organized havens.

2. Storage Solutions for Everyday Items
Cardboard tubes are great for storing small items, especially when you want to keep things tidy or portable:
- Seed Storage: I’ve used smaller paperboard tubes to organize my garden seeds. Labeling the outside makes it super easy to find what I need.
- Travel Cases: Paper tubes are the perfect size for keeping small accessories like earrings or hairpins safe during trips.
- Kitchen Storage: For those of you who love the rustic aesthetic, cardboard tubes can store dry goods like spices, tea bags, or even pasta.
3. Get Crafty
I love crafting with paper tubes, especially when I’m looking for a fun project with my kids or something creative for my home:
- Gift Boxes: I’ve turned cardboard tubes into unique gift packaging. Just wrap them in pretty paper, tie a ribbon, and voila—you’ve got an adorable gift box.
- Holiday Crafts: I’ve made everything from Christmas tree ornaments to Halloween decorations using paper tubes. It’s a fun and sustainable way to get festive.
- Wall Art: For a modern look, I cut paper tubes into rings and arranged them into patterns to create unique wall art. It’s simple and makes a statement.
4. Add Value to Your Garden
As an avid gardener, I’ve found that paperboard tubes are incredibly handy outdoors:
- Seed Starters: Cut the tubes into smaller sections, fill them with soil, and plant seeds. Once the seedlings sprout, you can plant the whole thing in the ground—the tube will decompose naturally.
- Plant Markers: I flatten and cut cardboard tubes into strips, write the plant names on them, and use them as biodegradable markers in my garden.

5. Create Home Decor
Cardboard tube packaging can easily be transformed into chic DIY decor:
- Vases and Candle Holders: Cover a cardboard tube packaging with fabric, twine, or paint to turn it into a vase for dried flowers or a decorative candle holder. Just be sure to use LED candles for safety.
- Mini Storage Bins: I’ve made small bins from carboard tubes to store buttons, beads, or other tiny items in my craft area.
- Photo Frames: Shaping a flattened paper tube into a frame adds a rustic touch to my photos.
6. Toys and Games
If you have kids (or pets!), cardboard tubes can double as creative toys:
- For Kids: My kids love making binoculars, telescopes, and even mini race tracks for marbles out of paper tubes.
- For Pets: I’ve stuffed paper tubes with hay and treats for my rabbit—it’s both a toy and a snack! Cats also love batting them around.
7. Perfect for Parties and Events
Paper tube packaing can elevate your next gathering:
- Party Favors: Fill decorated paper tubes with candies or small gifts for guests. They’re cute, customizable, and sustainable.
- Centerpieces: I’ve used decorated paper tubes as bases for floral arrangements or as holders for utensils at picnics.
8. Donate or Share
If you don’t have a use for your cardboard tube packaging, there’s always someone who does:
- Schools and Craft Groups: Teachers or community centers are always looking for craft supplies, and paper tubes are perfect for art projects.
- Pet Shelters: Many small animals, like guinea pigs or rabbits, love playing with paper tubes.
Why Reuse Cardboard Tubes?
Reusing paper tubes isn’t just about being creative—it’s about making sustainable choices. Every time we find a new use for something, we’re reducing waste and minimizing our environmental footprint. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to turn something as simple as a paper tube into something functional or beautiful.
Start Your Own Reuse Journey
The next time you finish with a paper tube, don’t toss it! Whether it becomes a new organizational tool, a fun craft, or a useful item for your garden, there’s no limit to the possibilities. I hope these ideas inspire you to get creative and start reusing your paper tubes in your own way.
Do you have a favorite way to reuse cardboard tubes? Share your ideas—I’d love to hear them!