Mini Paper Cup Recycling Bin

Who doesn't love a tiny, desk-sized recycling bin? This easy-to-make mini recycling can is perfect for storing small items or pieces of trash. Made from everyday materials found around the house—like paper cups, cardboard, and glue—this project is both creative and eco-friendly! Plus, the foot pedal mechanism adds a fun touch, making your recycling bin functional just like a real one.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll craft a compact and convenient recycling bin, perfect for organizing tiny scraps or giving your workspace a unique, upcycled addition. Let’s get started!

All the materials used to make these cute mini recycling bins can be found around your home.

1. Two paper cups (any size will work)
2. Cardboard
3. Small piece of paper
4. Hot glue (any glue that can stick paper or cardboard together works)
5. Scissors

The measurements for the different materials used for this project are all approximate and depend on the size of the materials that are being used. Just use your best judgement when determining sizes!

Take one paper cup and draw a 1.5cm by 0.5cm horizontal box about 2cm from the bottom. This will be the slot for the foot pedal. Carefully cut out the box using scissors.

Cut two cardboard strips:

1. One 1.5cm by 7.5cm strip (this will be the pedal’s base).
2. One 3.5cm by 1.5cm strip (this will be attached to the base).

Insert the longer strip into the slot in the cup, ensuring that part of it sticks out. Then, glue the shorter strip to the outer end of the longer strip to create the pedal mechanism.

Take the second paper cup and place it inside the first cup (the one with the pedal). If needed, trim the second cup until it fits snugly inside without protruding over the top edge.

Trace the rim of the first cup onto a piece of cardboard, then cut out the traced circle—this will serve as the lid.

Cut a small strip of paper and glue one end to the lid and the other end inside the first cup, securing it in place so the lid can move freely when the pedal is pressed.

Print a recycling symbol and glue it onto the front of the mini recycling bin. Now, when you step on the foot pedal, the lid should lift up—just like a real recycling bin!