Have Tons of Leftover Food Containers? 12 Genius Ways to Reuse Plastic Lids

Container lids can quickly accumulate and cause clutter, but they can also serve as helpful hacks for organizing your space, protecting surfaces, minimizing cleanup time, and actually decluttering your home.

From kitchen accessories such as a spoon rest and countertop trash can, to organizers for craft and office supplies, here are some of our favorite ways to reuse and repurpose plastic lids.

Spoon Rest

Because of its raised edges and flat bottom, a container lid makes for an ideal makeshift spoon rest. Depending on the size of the lid, you can rest multiple cooking utensils on it and the tall sides will contain excess liquid to keep your countertops clean.

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Measuring Spoon and Cup Rest

Similar to a spoon rest for cooking utensils, a measuring cup rest provides a spot to drop dirty measuring spoons and cups while you’re cooking or baking. A container lid can easily be used for this purpose, providing a contained resting spot for the measuring tools while keeping them within easy reach for repeated use.

Coasters

Repurpose a small plastic container lid as a coaster for a hot or cold drink. A lid from a small round container is ideal for holding a mug, glass, or can, providing a barrier between the beverage and the surface to help prevent heat and moisture damage.

Soap Dish

A plastic container lid makes for a great soap dish. The raised sides keep excess liquid in and keep countertops clean while preventing a bar of soap from sliding around. A clear plastic lid is discreet and won’t distract from the rest of the sink decor, plus the material is durable and easy to clean if you notice soap buildup.

Countertop Trash Can for Small Kitchen Waste

Utilize a larger plastic container lid as a countertop trash can while you’re cooking. Use it for small kitchen waste such as eggshells, vegetable peels, or avocado pits. It’s an effective time saver and will save you the time you’d spend running back and forth to the main trash can.

Tray

While it may not have handles or be stable enough to be lifted, if the plastic container lid has a flat bottom and raised edges it can serve as a tray in the pantry or bathroom. Corral small items such as spice jars on the lid and its raised sides will prevent items from falling and keep them neatly organized in groups.

Organizers for Craft Supplies

Store small craft supplies such as buttons or sequins in small round container lids with raised edges. It’s a great way to keep the supplies within reach while you’re crafting as well as a helpful way to sort them. For example, multiple container lids can be used to sort beads, buttons, or sequins by color, type, or size.

Jewelry Holder

Place a small container lid on your nightstand, bathroom vanity, or bedroom dresser and use it as a jewelry holder for pieces you wear on a regular bases. Earrings and dainty necklaces can quickly clutter surfaces, plus you run the risk of losing mates. Storing everyday jewelry in a container lid keeps surfaces clutter-free, contains all your pieces in one spot, and helps prevent loss and damage.

Ring Dish

Use a small container lid as a ring dish in the kitchen. Whether you’re kneading dough or washing dishes, keep your rings safe and clean by storing them on the container lid. This way, you’ll know where they are and they won’t get lost among other items on the countertop.

Desk Organizers

Turn a collection of small container lids into practical desk organizers. Corral small office supplies such as paperclips and pushpins in the lids, turning them into open-top storage containers. It’ll keep your desk clutter-free and the supplies easy to access. Additionally, you can use the containers themselves to hold office items such as pens and markers.

Drink Covers

If you’re enjoying a beverage outside, cover drinking glasses and open cans with small container lids. They’ll keep bugs, dust, and dirt out while leaving your drink easily accessible.

Drip Catcher

Use a container lid as a drip catcher while refilling an oil bottle, soap dispenser, or salt shaker. Even if you use a funnel, spills and messes can happen, so utilizing a container lid as a drip catcher is a good way to minimize cleanup.