Recycling Bin for Kids Made From Recycled Cardboard

Creating a recycling bin from recycled cardboard is not only a fun and creative activity for kids, but it’s also an excellent way to teach them about the importance of recycling and caring for the environment. This project allows them to develop manual skills, stimulate their imagination, and learn about sustainability in a practical and entertaining way. Additionally, decorating their own recycling bin gives them a sense of ownership and pride, encouraging positive habits from a young age. Below, you will find detailed steps to create a recycling bin that is both functional and beautiful.

Materials:

• Cardboard
• Colored paper
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Ruler
• Straw
• Wire

Base of the Bin:

• Cut 6 squares of cardboard of the same dimensions for the base of the bin.
• In one of those squares, make a small square cutout in the center. This will be the space for the lever.

Inner Basket:

• Cut 5 squares of cardboard of the same size to form the inner basket.

Lever:

• Cut a piece of cardboard in the shape of a T.
• Cut two small squares of cardboard for the base of the lever.

Prepare the Base of the Lever:

• Make a hole in the center of each of the two small squares of cardboard.

Assemble the Lever:

• Glue a piece of straw to the center of the long part of the T.
• Insert a wire through the holes in the two small squares and the straw in the T. This will allow the T to function as a pivoting lever.

Form the Main Bin:

• Glue the 6 squares of cardboard together to form the main bin, making sure the square with the cutout for the lever is at the base.

Insert the Inner Basket:

• Glue the 5 squares of cardboard together to form a small cube and place it inside the main bin.

Decorate the Bin:

• Use colored paper to decorate the bin in a creative and attractive way for kids. You can cut out shapes, letters, or drawings and glue them on with the hot glue gun. This will make the bin fun and beautiful, encouraging kids to use it.

Benefits

Making this recycling bin is not only a creative and fun activity but also teaches kids the importance of caring for the environment. By using recycled materials, it promotes ecological awareness and demonstrates how everyday objects can be repurposed to create something new and useful. It’s an excellent way to teach kids about recycling and sustainability while having fun!