/r/upcycling
Upcycling is reusing waste or unwanted materials without destroying them in order to create something new.
What is the difference between Recycling and Upcycling?
Recycling takes waste products, breaks them down, then forms them into something new. Upcycling is reusing waste or unwanted materials without destroying them in order to create something new, which makes upcycling more energy efficient than recycling.
- Example of recycling: Taking plastic bags, breaking down the materials, reforming it, and turning the used plastic into a new cup.
- Example of upcycling: Transforming old clothes into a new outfit, bag, or stuffed animal.
More About r/Upcycling
This subreddit is for people who have come together to turn waste or unwanted items into something useful. We encourage reducing, reusing and recycling waste in the traditional fashion, but there are some things that don't recycle well, or would otherwise be thrown away. For these types of materials, we encourage re-purposing the materials.
This space is for anything upcycling. All relevant posts are welcome.
Challenge of The Month
Each month we will have a challenge on the sub. This month's challenge can be found at the top of the page as a post. You will need to upcycle something in the theme we give you and then post a picture of it in the comments of the post
All participants will get a special flair that will get updated when you do more challenges.
Posting Policy
We have a very simple posting policy. We realize that some Redditors have relevant blogs or Etsy shops. It's OK to post them here, but only if you are contributing to the Reddit community more than you are posting and cross-posting your own content.
Where did my post go?
Reddit has an aggressive system for weeding out spam, especially if you're new or cross-posting the same content throughout many subreddits. If you notice your post is missing and doesn't get any responses by the end of the day, just feel free to message the mod to bring attention to the spam trap.
Related Subreddits
/r/upcycling
211,253 Subscribers
Junque sign
I found a piece of board along a nearby coastal trail and knew I would eventually use it for a sign. All the parts I used for letters were purchased at area thrift stores.
20:16 UTC
Grant Ideas for Green Community Projects!
I’ll be participating in an event where I have the chance to win a grant for a community-based project aimed at addressing environmental issues. I’m looking for innovative ideas to tackle challenges like air pollution, waste management, and loss of green spaces.
What projects or initiatives do you think could make a positive impact? Your suggestions could help shape a meaningful proposal! Thank you!
20:03 UTC
Ideas for these earring pieces?
Hello ☺️ I was decluttering my earrings and came upon 3 sets that I don’t wear because they are too heavy, so I removed the bottom dangly portion and just kept the part that goes on the lobe. However, I ended up with these pretty things! Does anyone have any ideas of what I could make or do with them? Thanks!
23:45 UTC
Airless Robot Tire Converted to a Lamp
I designed this tire for a university project. Had no use for the wheel so I added some LED’S to the tire material.
13:52 UTC
Any ideas on what to do with these bad boys?
There pretty thick and reasonably sturdy. Most are 4'-5' long.
20:28 UTC
Jolly Roger
Made this out of discarded cardboard
02:19 UTC
Need ideas for this antique mirror!
i am not sure what to do with this mirror. I picked it up from the side of the street in college and I'm attached to it and would hate to see it destroyed or just thrown out, as it works.
it would be very easy to disassemble in that it is falling apart at the seams. The nails are very old and no longer holding it together (i honestly don't know how it survived me moving around a lot for 2 years). As you may be able to see, the flourish on the bottom fell off but could be easily glued back on. The mirror glass itself is a little stained and un-cleanably dirty, but i don't mind that, and also wouldn't care about that part if someone figured out a way to use the wood, as the wood is what I think is the prettiest.
Anyway, just wondering if anyone has literally any ideas for this, i do not want to toss it!
PS ignore the white square on the top of it, just some tape that needs to be cleaned off.
19:48 UTC
Ideas for Tostitos packaging?
My household goes through at least 12 of these tubs / year. I don’t have THAT many dry pantry goods to store in the containers. I’ve tried to use them in my craft space but they’re just not convenient. The yellow plastic is quite tough to work with. Any ideas?
19:41 UTC
Need ideas!
I just couldn’t bring myself to “recycle” these pretty soap dispensers from Costco. I have several others that I am using already and refilling with soap so these are extra. Would love ideas for upcycling projects. At first I was going to try propagating Pothos plants but realized the roots would get too big to ever remove them.
17:15 UTC
How to make diy notepads?
How can I make diy notepads out of reclaimed paper? I try to grab all the free paper I can when I see it about to be trashed. I want to try to make them 5.5inx8.5in and just leave them all over for people to use or just carry one with me.
00:37 UTC
How do I get dry pens to write again?
I find a lot of dry pens but I can't get them to write. How do I get them to write again?
00:25 UTC
Paint over paint, need tips
Help please! I bought a dining table off marketplace that i need to paint over with. I have no prior experience in painting furniture whatsoever so this will be my first.
I tried to rub off the paint with acetone to check if it’s oil based or not, paint came off so its water based? Im considering using chalk paint over since i am a beginner but read lots of mixed reviews about it. From your beginner POV how would you refinish this dining table stand ? TIA!
00:13 UTC