Reusing old toilet parts is an excellent way to promote sustainability and reduce waste. Instead of discarding broken or outdated components, many of these materials can be repurposed for creative or practical uses around the home. By adopting a resourceful mindset, you can give these items a second life while benefiting both the environment and your wallet.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to reuse old toilet parts so that you can get back to using it in no time! So grab your tools, and let’s get started!
Benefits of Repurposing Instead of Discarding
Repurposing old materials, such as toilet parts, offers numerous benefits beyond simply reducing waste. First and foremost, it helps to conserve resources by minimizing the demand for new raw materials. This, in turn, reduces the energy and environmental strain associated with manufacturing and transportation processes. Additionally, repurposing can save you money by allowing you to creatively reuse items you already have instead of purchasing replacements.
Beyond practicality, repurposing encourages a mindset of innovation and sustainability, fostering habits that contribute to a greener planet. Finally, by keeping old items out of landfills, you are actively helping to decrease land pollution and create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
Old Toilet Parts You Can Reuse
Repurposing old toilet parts is an innovative way to reduce waste and breathe new life into materials that might otherwise be discarded. For example, porcelain toilet bowls or tanks can be transformed into unique planters for your garden or yard, adding a quirky touch while contributing to sustainability. Old toilet tanks can also serve as storage containers for tools, pet supplies, or other household items.
Additionally, if you’re handy with DIY projects, the rubber gaskets, levers, and bolts can be salvaged for repairing other fixtures or used in creative crafts. By thinking outside the box, these old parts can find a second life, reducing landfill contributions and supporting sustainable living practices.
10 Methods How to Reuse Old Toilet Parts
1. Convert the Toilet Tank Lid into a Garden Tool Tray
Old toilet tank lids are often made from solid, flat ceramic or porcelain, which makes them perfect candidates for reuse as trays. In the garden, they can be especially helpful when working with small hand tools or transplanting seedlings. Simply clean the lid thoroughly with a vinegar and baking soda solution to remove residue, then use it as a portable work surface.
Its weight keeps it stable in outdoor environments, and the shallow depression helps prevent tools from rolling away. With a touch of paint or tile work, it can even be aesthetically pleasing and serve as a permanent potting bench tray.
2. Turn the Toilet Bowl into a Planter
One of the most common and charming ways to reuse an old toilet is transforming the bowl into a whimsical garden planter. Its deep basin and built-in drainage make it ideal for outdoor use, particularly for hardy plants like succulents, ferns, or ornamental grasses. Start by disinfecting it thoroughly, then fill the bowl with gravel for drainage, add potting soil, and choose your plants. This quirky garden feature can add character to a backyard or community garden and is a conversation piece that celebrates creativity and sustainability.
3. Use the Flush Handle as a Decorative Hook
Old metal or chrome toilet flush handles are often beautifully shaped and surprisingly strong. After cleaning and polishing, they can be mounted on a piece of reclaimed wood to create a unique wall hook. Whether used in a bathroom, kitchen, or workshop, the result is a functional and industrial-chic item perfect for hanging towels, aprons, or tools. The flush handle’s curve provides just the right shape to hold objects securely, while the nostalgic form adds a bit of vintage character.
4. Repurpose the Fill Valve as a Drip Irrigation Tool
The toilet fill valve, once removed from the tank and cleaned, can be ingeniously reused in a homemade drip irrigation system. With a little plumbing know-how, you can attach the valve to a low-pressure hose setup and repurpose it to regulate water flow for potted plants or a small garden. The valve’s natural function of managing water intake makes it surprisingly adaptable, and with minor modifications, it helps control water usage in a low-budget, eco-friendly way.
5. Transform the Wax Ring Flange into a Weight or Base Support
Though often overlooked, the wax ring flange from an old toilet can be reused as a moldable weight or anchoring base. After removing residual wax and cleaning it thoroughly, the ring can be filled with concrete or plaster to create a heavy, circular base for items like umbrella stands, lamp bases, or garden decorations. Its solid, ring-shaped design lends itself to multiple crafting projects where stability is required, turning waste into a highly functional piece.
6. Reuse Tank Bolts as Mini Hardware for Craft Projects
Tank bolts, though small, are made of durable metal and are ideal for various DIY uses. If you’re into crafting or light carpentry, these bolts can be used in model-making, mounting small shelves, or even creating quirky wind chimes when paired with other upcycled materials. Keep them organized in a small jar in your workshop—they often come in handy when an odd-sized fastener is needed for creative or repair tasks.
7. Create a Mosaic Art Piece from Broken Porcelain
If your old toilet bowl or tank is cracked or broken beyond functional reuse, consider repurposing the fragments into a mosaic. The glossy porcelain shards can be arranged to form beautiful patterns on tabletops, picture frames, stepping stones, or even garden walls. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles when breaking down the ceramic, and smooth any sharp edges before incorporating them into your design. With some tile adhesive and grout, you can give this discarded material a second life as decorative art.
8. Turn the Flush Valve into a Water Feature Spout
The flush valve mechanism can be cleverly adapted as part of a small water fountain or backyard pond system. Its built-in function of controlling water flow makes it suitable for channeling water in gentle trickles. After sealing any exposed parts and mounting it securely, it can be installed within a water basin or container garden to mimic a miniature waterfall. This upcycle not only gives the valve new life but also adds soothing ambiance to outdoor spaces.
9. Use the Toilet Seat as a Hinged Cover for Storage Boxes
With a bit of cleaning and creative finishing—such as sanding, painting, or upholstering—the toilet seat can be transformed into a quirky hinged lid for a storage box or small bench. It can be especially useful in tool sheds, garages, or garden boxes where function trumps form. The built-in hinges make installation easy, and the shape provides a humorous yet practical solution for covering items while maintaining easy access.
10. Turn the Toilet Tank into a Compost Bin or Worm Farm
The tank portion of a toilet is sturdy, water-tight, and already has an outlet hole, making it suitable as a base for a mini composting bin or vermiculture (worm farming) setup. By plugging or fitting a screen into the hole and drilling a few ventilation holes in the sides, you can fill the tank with compostable material or bedding for red worms. Its compact size makes it ideal for patios or balconies, and the durable porcelain resists weather and wear, extending its usefulness far beyond the bathroom.
Things to Consider When Repurposing a Toilet
When transforming an old toilet into a functional composting bin or worm farm, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. First, ensure the toilet is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before use to remove any residual chemicals or debris. Next, consider the placement of the toilet; as a compact but heavy item, it is best suited for stable surfaces like concrete patios or balconies.
Ventilation is another key factor—drill additional holes if necessary to ensure adequate airflow for decomposition or worm health. Finally, think about insulation or shade, as extreme temperatures might affect the composting process or the well-being of red worms. Proper planning and care will help you make the most of this creative and sustainable project.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your composting toilet. Begin by monitoring the moisture levels inside the unit; the material should remain damp but not waterlogged, as excess moisture can slow decomposition and produce unpleasant odors. Adding dry materials like sawdust, shredded paper, or coconut coir can help maintain the ideal balance. Periodically check the ventilation system to ensure there are no blockages and replace or clean any filters as necessary.
If you’re using red worms, inspect their habitat regularly to confirm they are thriving—unusual odors, excessive dryness, or a noticeable decrease in worm activity might signal a problem. Finally, empty the finished compost at intervals based on usage, and always follow proper hygiene practices while handling it. With consistent upkeep, your composting toilet will continue to provide an environmentally friendly waste management solution.
Conclusion
Setting up a composting toilet is an innovative and eco-friendly solution that allows you to reduce waste and contribute to sustainable living. By carefully considering factors like placement, ventilation, and temperature, you can ensure the system functions effectively and supports the natural decomposition process. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to reuse old toilet parts! We hope you found it helpful and informative.
