When it comes to DIY costumes, the possibilities are endless. Skip the costume-shop insanity and let your recycling bin inspire you this year. You’ll be amazed how many ways you can reuse items you already have around the house that often find their way into the trash. Need some ideas to get you started? Here are a few of our favorites.
Easy Garbage Truck Costume
Who doesn’t love a truck! Show some love for our sanitation workers for all they do every day to keep our communities clean and safe. This DIY costume is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and so easy, even your toddler can help build and personalize it. Check out the quick, easy-to-follow instructional video then download the PDF instructions, complete with all the decals you’ll need to perfect your ensemble.
Just like that, you’ll be ready to haul your trick or treat sweets come Halloween night. Up your recycling game even more by reusing your costume to say hello the next time your local garbage man stops by.
Materials:
- One large cardboard box
- One smaller cardboard box
- Glue
- Ribbon
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Marker
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS & DECALS HERE
Soda Bottle Jet Pack
Source: One Perfect Day Blog
Your favorite little thrill seeker is sure to love these easy-to-make jet packs and you’re sure to love the short and easy-to-scavenge materials list. Just like that, your trick or treat fanatic will be ready for a high flying adventure.
Materials:
- 2 Empty soda bottles for each jet pack
- Duct tape
- Tissue paper (red, orange and yellow)
- Grey strap fabric
- Silver spray paint
GET COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Paper Bag Snail
Source: Oh Happy Day
Reuse those grocery store paper bags to make this adorable snail costume. It’s quick, it’s easy, and a great way to clear out some of those bags you’ve been stashing away for a later use. Come Halloween, your little candy lovers can simply throw on their snail shells and tentacle headbands and start collecting their treats (so you can collect your candy tax)!
Materials:
- Brown paper bags
- Masking tape
- Headband
- Styrofoam balls
- Ribbon
- Glue gun
GET COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Who You Gonna Call?
Source: Sweeten Your Day Events
Everyone loves a classic and this one is sure to please even the biggest kids in your life. Stay Puft and all his buddies won’t know what hit him when you come strolling down the street with your awesome DIY proton pack. Made from materials you can easily find around the house, this one is also great for the last minute costume crowd.
Materials:
- Large gift box or cereal box (roughly 12×18)
- Small square jewelry gift box
- Plastic cup
- 12″ Round cardboard circle
- Toilet paper roll
- Black ribbon
- Black spray paint
- Red shiny scrapbook paper
- 2 Different colored electrical wire
- Black tubing
- Spray can trigger
- Hot glue gun
GET COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS HERE
Be Prepared!
Once your friends and neighbors see your recycled costume, they’re bound to be curious how you became such a recycling savant. Check out our Teacher Resources section to learn more on how you can teach others about recycling.
