Before tossing an empty tuna can into the recycling bin, consider keeping a few. Once they’ve been washed thoroughly and any sharp edges have been made safe, these small metal containers can be surprisingly useful around the house.

One of the easiest ideas is turning them into drawer organizers for paper clips, screws, buttons, beads, or other tiny items. In the garage or workshop, they’re perfect for separating nuts, bolts, washers, and nails. Gardeners can also use clean cans as small seed starters by adding a few drainage holes to the bottom.

Tuna cans can become simple candle holders, especially for tea lights, or be decorated and turned into tiny planters for succulents. Crafters often cover them with fabric, rope, paint, or decorative paper and use them as desk organizers. They can also work as holders for rubber bands, hair ties, coins, or spare keys.

Another practical idea is keeping one near a workbench as a temporary container for paintbrushes, glue, or small parts during DIY projects. Several cans mounted to a board can even create a compact wall-storage system for craft or workshop supplies.

Just remember that cut metal edges can be sharp. Use a safety can opener when possible, inspect the rim carefully, and don’t reuse cans for food unless they’re specifically suitable for that purpose.

So that little tuna can isn’t exactly “worth gold,” but it can definitely save you from buying extra organizers.

Sometimes the most useful storage solutions are already sitting in the recycling bin.