/r/upcycling

Photograph via snooOG

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

212,903 Subscribers

24

Any suggestions for what to do with this?

I was putting together an action figure and was left with about 4 of these. Normally, I would just recycle them, but I have no idea what type of plastic they are (my place only accepts 1-3). I’m up to do pretty much anything, so any and all suggestions are potentially viable.

34 Comments
2024/11/08
23:54 UTC

21

what to do with sentimental shirts I don't want to get rid of?

I want to refresh my wardrobe so that it feels more "me." ofc that includes getting rid of some clothing items, especially because I've already run out of hangers for my tops lol. but most of my t shirts have come from concerts, so I don't want to get rid of them. I've thought about framing them or having them made into a quilt, but they don't match with my decor, and I think my place would look visually cluttered. any ideas on what to do with them? I have about 10 that I never or rarely wear

29 Comments
2024/11/08
22:25 UTC

4

I made a chair using a old Tyre

0 Comments
2024/11/08
14:04 UTC

14

How can I repurpose a 64oz glass water bottle?

So like I bought a 64 oz glass water bottle, like a year ago. But I ended up regretting the purchase because it's glass, and I am afraid to break it if I take it with me outside and the silicone gets moldy fast. I realized that I should just bought myself those like metal water bottles, like the normal ones.

I just don't want to waste the bottle, without the lid it looks like a nice jar. I just don't know how to reuse it. I am open to suggestions.

16 Comments
2024/11/07
22:50 UTC

191

How to reuse foam bra inserts

I always take these out of bras, bathing suits, etc. and now I have several. Trying to think of what I could use them for. Cushioning of something in suit cases? Any other (hopefully better) ideas?

95 Comments
2024/11/07
21:38 UTC

507

I've been making bottle bricks for about 3 years now; here are my results so far

I haven't really decided what I want to do with them yet. I was thinking about using the smaller bricks for something like a border for a flower bed. They take some time to make, but I'm hoping that I or someone else can eventually figure out a more efficient way of making them. A weird little dream of mine is to make all trash usable :)

36 Comments
2024/11/06
20:25 UTC

26

Ideas?

So I have lot of these supposedly cigar tray/asthrays. I used one for my pins but have unused others, I don’t have anything to storage.

9 Comments
2024/11/06
16:59 UTC

9

Masters Dissertation Outreach

📢 Calling all upcyclers 📢

I am conducting a quick survey for my masters dissertation project to understand how reusable cups can be implemented at events and their environmental impact. Your feedback will help me shape more sustainable practices at fairs and festivals across the UK.

The survey takes a few minutes and your insights will be invaluable. Click the link below to share your thought, and thank you for helping me make a difference.

https://forms.gle/D6rgaqrUbz9Kyjxf9

2 Comments
2024/11/06
11:40 UTC

98

Upcycled Hanging Planters

I make upcycled hanging planters and propagation stations 🪴 from recycled teapots, bottles, teacups, pots, and much more 🏺

5 Comments
2024/11/05
18:23 UTC

9

Ideas for up cycling dog leash

Hey guys my husky has finally started to wear out the metal hardware in his leash. What’s something I can repurpose this into? It’s not too much fabric but I don’t want to throw it away and waste it.

26 Comments
2024/11/05
17:46 UTC

7

Upcyling form

Hey everyone! I’m Abheek, and I’m working on a project called UpBarter, which focuses on creating a digital platform where companies can buy and sell their industrial byproducts and waste to help reduce waste and repurpose materials. We’re gathering feedback from people with relevant knowledge, and it would be really helpful if you could fill out this short form. It won’t take more than 5 minutes, and your insights would be incredibly valuable.

Here’s the link: https://forms.gle/iduYFtET6nmhfeja7

Thank you for your help!

0 Comments
2024/11/05
17:07 UTC

5

Ideas?

I have these old pen refills that I have been collecting for a while. Idk why I collected them, I just didn’t want to throw out plastic ig. Now that I have close to 50 of them with me, any diy ideas to up cycle these?

3 Comments
2024/11/05
05:17 UTC

4

How well will vhs tape [the string inside the box] last as a costume, accessories or coa

I want to crochet some vhs tape into things to wear or use but idk how it'd last exposed to the elements. Also how would it fare in a bathroom if I made them into baskets

13 Comments
2024/11/04
22:36 UTC

31

Reclaimed some old paver stones for the reclaimed wood shop. Material order to finish the build comes 11-4-24 :)

0 Comments
2024/11/04
20:10 UTC

1

Upcycle or Redesign Ideas for 2 Heavy Custom XL Solid Wood DVD Shelves ?

I know there are creative geniuses out there, and any brainstorming could inspire my project!

As DVDs are basically obsolete & our prior enormous collection has mostly been donated, these 2, albeit plain, nicely crafted cases have potential. I keep a lot of random items for DIY projects with little room to keep them. I'm not a fan of having more than a few dust collectors, so looking for a useful and practical storage piece. Not much experience at wood working, but I have an uncle as knowledge resource, all the basic tools and can follow a solid instructional video. I can easily visualize a couple decorative shelf designs, but what to do with 14 @ 16.5"W 8.75"H X 7"D cubbies when I need functional storage to keep non-display type items in a common area. Also wall space, in any room, is limited. I like the idea of laying them on their backs for some sort of reach in, but can't imagine an easy design(hang floating drawer)? I'd love to use all the cube space and my experience level and/or very low (<$100.00) Budget doesn't allow for building doors. Open to any other practical uses no more than intermediate level DIYers. Overall external dimensions per shelf made to stand vertical= 71.75"H (incl., 3.375" solid block base~remove?) X 18.125"W X 7"D. Impossible ask, right??

3 Comments
2024/11/04
19:52 UTC

71

I built an E-bike battery out of used disposable vape batteries

3 Comments
2024/11/04
11:03 UTC

52

Needs ideas for how to update this dresser?

We just bought a house and the owners left some furniture - including this dresser! It’s pretty solid so we feel it would be a waste to get rid of it but we’d like to modernise it, a little paint maybe but we aren’t sure where to start with it? Any ideas of what you’d do with it would be appreciated!

41 Comments
2024/11/04
06:31 UTC

14

Recovering outdoor furniture

This chair is a nice aluminum frame in perfect condition but the seat and backing is a crappy plastic product that has fallen apart. Any ideas for re-covering them? It does not appear that the manufacturer offers any support or refurbish kits. The chairs are originally from Costco.

3 Comments
2024/11/04
02:24 UTC

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