Every household uses toilet paper daily, and most people throw away the cardboard roll at the center without a second thought. Yet, this small and seemingly insignificant item has a surprising number of practical uses — both around the home and in the garden. With a bit of creativity, you can give toilet paper rolls a second life, reduce waste, and even make daily tasks a little easier. Here’s how to turn something that usually ends up in the trash into a tool for organization, gardening, and more.

Why You Should Stop Throwing Away Toilet Paper Rolls

Toilet paper rolls are made of lightweight, biodegradable cardboard — a material that’s both versatile and eco-friendly. Instead of tossing them into the recycling bin, consider repurposing them. They’re perfect for organizing, crafting, or even supporting your plants. Reusing items like these helps cut down on waste and encourages sustainable living, all while saving a bit of money.

Below are some of the most useful and clever ways to reuse toilet paper rolls at home and in your garden.

1. Keep Curtain Folds Perfectly Aligned

One of the most surprising uses for toilet paper rolls is in your window treatments. If you have curtains with ring hooks that slide onto a rod, you can use the rolls as spacers to keep the pleats even and elegant.

Simply slide a roll between each curtain ring as you hang the curtain. The roll acts as a perfect separator, ensuring that the folds of the fabric are uniform and hang neatly. If a full roll creates too much space between the folds, you can cut it in half to achieve smaller, tighter pleats.

This simple trick makes your curtains look more polished and prevents them from bunching up awkwardly.

2. Organize Cables and Chargers

Few things are more frustrating than opening a drawer full of tangled cables and wires. Whether it’s phone chargers, HDMI cords, or computer cables, keeping them organized can be a challenge. Luckily, toilet paper rolls are the perfect solution.

Start by winding each cable neatly into a small loop. Then, insert it into a toilet paper roll — the cardboard acts as a sleeve that keeps everything compact and tangle-free. You can even label each roll with a marker to indicate what the cable is for (for example, “Laptop Charger” or “TV HDMI”).

This method not only saves time when searching for the right cable but also keeps drawers and boxes neat and clutter-free. If some cords are smaller or shorter, cut the roll in half to make mini holders.

3. Keep Strings, Ribbons, and Threads Neat

If you enjoy crafting, sewing, or DIY projects, you probably have plenty of ribbons, yarn, or twine lying around. These materials can easily become tangled, but a simple toilet paper roll can help keep them in order.

To make your own DIY spool, start by cutting a small slit on one edge of the roll. Insert the end of the string or ribbon into the slit to hold it in place, then wrap the rest around the roll. When you’re done, tuck the other end into the same slit (or make another one on the opposite side). This prevents the string from unraveling and keeps everything tightly wound.

This little trick works perfectly for cords, thread, embroidery floss, or even holiday wrapping ribbons.

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4. Use Toilet Paper Rolls for Gardening

If you love gardening, you’ll be surprised at how many ways a cardboard roll can come in handy outdoors. Toilet paper rolls can be used to retain soil moisture, start seedlings, and even improve your compost.

As a Moisture Retainer

When planting, you can tear up a few rolls and scatter the pieces in the soil near your plants. The cardboard absorbs water and slowly releases it, keeping the soil moist for longer periods. This is especially helpful for plants that prefer consistently damp soil. Because the material is biodegradable, it will naturally decompose over time and even enrich the soil as it breaks down.

As Seedling Pots

Toilet paper rolls make excellent biodegradable seedling starters. You can plant seeds directly in them and later transfer them into the ground without disturbing the roots. Here’s how to make your own:

1. Prepare the base: Cut four small vertical slits on one end of the roll, each about two centimeters long.
2. Fold the flaps: Fold the four sections inward, one over the other, to close the bottom of the tube — similar to folding the bottom of a cardboard box.
3. Fill and plant: Fill the tube with potting soil, plant your seeds, and water lightly.
4. Transplant easily: Once the seedlings are ready to be planted outdoors, place the entire roll in the soil. The cardboard will break down naturally, allowing the roots to grow freely.

This method not only saves you from buying plastic seed trays but also reduces waste and keeps the planting process simple and eco-friendly.

5. Keep Drawers and Desks Organized

Another clever way to use toilet paper rolls is to organize drawers. Stand several rolls upright in a drawer and fill them with pens, pencils, scissors, or small items like makeup brushes and hair ties. This is an inexpensive way to create custom compartments for your office or vanity drawers without buying dividers.

You can also decorate the rolls by wrapping them in colored paper, fabric, or washi tape to match your home’s style.

6. Make DIY Fire Starters

If you have a fireplace, grill, or like to go camping, toilet paper rolls can also be turned into eco-friendly fire starters. Stuff each roll with a bit of dryer lint, sawdust, or shredded paper, then seal the ends with newspaper. These burn easily and make lighting a fire quick and effortless — no chemicals or lighter fluid needed.

7. Crafting and Creative Projects

Toilet paper rolls are also perfect for arts and crafts, especially if you have kids. They can be turned into countless fun creations — from pencil holders to festive decorations. You can paint them, cut them into shapes, or combine several rolls to build imaginative DIY projects. This not only keeps children entertained but also encourages them to learn about recycling and reusing materials.

8. A Small Change That Makes a Big Impact

While a single cardboard roll may not seem like much, reusing these everyday items adds up over time. It’s a small but meaningful way to reduce household waste and give materials a second life. Instead of tossing that roll in the trash, think of it as a free resource for organizing, gardening, or creative crafting.

Final Thoughts

Toilet paper rolls are one of the simplest yet most versatile items you can recycle creatively. From keeping your home tidy to supporting your garden’s growth, their potential uses are endless. With just a little imagination, what was once waste becomes a valuable helper in your home.

So next time you finish a roll of toilet paper, resist the urge to throw it away — and see just how useful that humble piece of cardboard can be.