Are plastic film containers safe to recycle? Yes, if you wash them out fully before using them. A word of caution does need to be applied here before getting into the many uses for the film container. If the film in the container has deteriorated and leaked into the plastic film container, throw it out. Do not reuse it. Plastic is porous and will absorb chemicals over time. It is unsafe to use any plastic that has had any kind of chemical in it for a period of time.

Ok, now that the safety warning is out of the way, what do you do with plastic film containers that you have lying around the house.

First of all get any film in the containers that has been taken to the store and have it developed. Keep the containers. Do not take the film to the store in the containers or you will lose this great little item. These little guys are the perfect size for so many things and since the lids fit on them so snuggly they are perfect for traveling with you.

Speaking of traveling, let's start there with the many uses for recycling plastic film containers. Put your lotion in it to carry with you, store some quarters for emergency use in them, create a small sewing kit by adding a few strands of thread wrapped around a piece of cardboard, a needle, and some folding scissors, or you might want to fill them with a few snacks like sunflower seeds. Cut a hole in the lid that your toothbrush handle will fit into. Snap the container over the brush head to keep it clean and fresh when traveling.

Cosmetics such as lotion can be placed in film containers as well as creating a travel sized fingernail polish remover. Take a sponge roller and put it into the film container. Cut it so that it just sits inside the lip of the container. Pour in your fingernail polish remover and there you have it. Your fingernail can then be inserted into the hole of the roller and with a few twists all the polish will be gone.

Make a travel sized stamp dispenser by cutting a slit wide enough for the stamps to pass through easily into the side of the container. Insert your stamps and affix the lid.

How about creating an aromatherapy canister? Fill the plastic container almost to the brim with a mixture of Epsom salt and your favorite scented oil. Peppermint is great for headaches and lavender works well to help with relaxation. Affix a small label to each canister you create so that you know what they are to be used for and just pop the top when you need a little aromatherapy help.

Do you make stuffed toys as a craft project? Add a little fun by filling a canister with a few bells or beans, anything that will rattle once placed in the container works well. Place inside the middle of the stuffing before you sew up the last few stitches and you have an instant rattle toy.

Not many people still use matches of the wooden variety, but if you do, you can add a striking plate by gluing a small piece of sandpaper to the underside of the lid. Fill the container with your matches and you have a waterproof way to carry them on your next outing.

there is an endless variety of ways to use and recycle your plastic film containers. Don't throw them away. Keep our landfills happy by making use of these great little containers to carry a variety of different things, make crafts out of them, or use for extra storage containers in a variety of ways. Happy containerizing!

This article copyright to lynnechandler at HubPages 2009 with all rights reserved.