With Earth Day approaching on April 22, this recycling DIY is a timely project. It shows how to turn empty Aveeno lotion and body wash bottles into stylish concrete planters. DIY planters are one of my favorite small projects right now—practical, decorative, and a great way to reuse containers that would otherwise be discarded.
Working with Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing collection, I used empty bottles as molds to create concrete planters and also share a few simple recycling tips to help improve your home recycling routine.
I’ve used Aveeno products for years and recently tried the Daily Moisturizing Body Wash in addition to the Daily Moisturizing Lotion I already love. After finishing the products, I saved the empty bottles from the recycling bin and repurposed them for this project.
As a reminder, before recycling or repurposing, rinse containers clean. The body wash is formulated to cleanse and help maintain the skin’s natural moisture, and the lotion is designed to lock in hydration and support skin health.
Materials
- Empty Aveeno lotion and body wash bottles
- Sharp blade for cutting
- Plastic container or bucket for mixing cement
- Rapid-setting cement mix (water-activated)
- Disposable spoon or stir stick for mixing
- Small plastic cup to form the planter opening
- Small stones, lentils, or other weights to hold the cup in place
How to make concrete planters from recycled bottles
Start by removing the pump from the bottle and discarding it, since pumps are not recyclable in most curbside programs. Rinse the inside of each container thoroughly before beginning.
1. Use a sharp blade to trim any excess plastic from the bottle, depending on the planter shape you want. For a tall, bottle-shaped planter, cut off only the very top. For a squat planter, cut the bottle in half. Recycle any discarded plastic pieces you don’t use.
2. Prepare the cement according to the mix instructions. For many rapid-setting mixes a 4:1 cement-to-water ratio works—mix thoroughly and work relatively quickly since these mixes begin to set fast.
3. Spoon the mixed cement into your prepared bottle molds. Press the cement gently to avoid air pockets. Place the small plastic cup into the center of the bottle opening to create the planter’s cavity; fill the cup with lentils or small rocks to weigh it down so it stays centered.
4. Allow the concrete to cure. With a rapid-setting mix this can take between one and three hours depending on temperature and humidity. Wait until the surface is hard to the touch.
5. Once fully set, carefully cut away the plastic bottle with a sharp blade. Score along a line and peel the plastic off slowly to avoid scratching the concrete. Take your time and work in small sections until the mold is removed.
After removing the plastic, recycle the emptied pieces if your local program accepts them. Add soil and small plants to your new concrete planters and place them indoors or out.
Quick bathroom recycling tips
Make bathroom recycling easier and more efficient by using a divided waste basket: one side for recyclables like empty bottles and cardboard packaging, and the other side for non-recyclables such as pumps. Remember to rinse bottles before placing them in the recycling bin to reduce contamination and pests.
Will you try this recycled bottle concrete planter project? It’s an easy, creative way to celebrate Earth Day and reduce waste. If you give it a try, choose a variety of bottle shapes to experiment with different planter styles.
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This post was created in partnership with Aveeno. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep independent blogs running.