So, you’ve purchased a shiny new set of fixtures for your bathroom refurb. But what will you do with the old ones? Instead of throwing them straight in a skip, we’ve come up with some great ideas to help you reuse and recycle.
In the quest for a greener, more sustainable lifestyle, every room in our homes offers opportunities for innovation and eco-consciousness. Yet, when it comes to the bathroom, we often overlook the potential for recycling, upcycling and reusing fixtures like baths, toilets, and basins. However, with a bit of creativity and ingenuity, these elements can find new life beyond their original purpose, contributing to a more environmentally friendly home while adding a unique touch to your space.
So, you’ve finally given your bathroom a much-needed makeover. But what should you do with your old fixtures?
The art of upcycling: Giving old fixtures new purpose
1. Loo-vely planters
Say goodbye to traditional flower pots and hello to repurposed toilet tanks! Remove the seat, clean out the cistern thoroughly, add some soil and your favourite plants, et voila! You have a quirky yet stylish planter that adds a touch of whimsy to your garden or indoor space.
2. Transform a vanity
Upcycle that old vanity unit into a handy cabinet for other parts of your home. Simply remove the basin, place in your garage, shed or utility room, and reutilise as a storage area. Fit a new piece of kitchen worktop to add the finishing touch to your repurposed vanity unit. Much like the previous suggestion, you could always repurpose your bathroom sink into a garden planter.
3. Repurpose baths into outdoor seating
Instead of sending that old acrylic bathtub to the landfill, consider transforming it into a charming outdoor seating area in your garden. You may need to take a sturdy electric saw to it, to get it into the right shape, but with a fresh coat of paint, a new set of legs and some comfy cushions, your discarded tub can become a cosy spot for enjoying nature.
Or, why not reuse and repurpose to create your very own outdoor bath, like star of Your Home Made Perfect Laura Jane Clark did?
The beauty of recycling: Giving materials a second chance
Recycled glass countertops
When it's time to replace your bathroom countertops, consider opting for recycled glass surfaces. These countertops are not only stunningly beautiful but also environmentally friendly, as they divert glass from landfills and give it a new life in your home.
Reclaimed wood accents
Incorporate reclaimed wood into your bathroom design to add warmth and character. Whether it's as a frame for your mirror, shelving or even a custom-made cabinet upon which you can place a countertop basin, reclaimed wood brings a sense of history and sustainability to your space.
Salvaged tiles
Instead of purchasing brand new tiles for your bathroom renovation, explore salvaged tiles from architectural salvage yards or online marketplaces. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also adds a unique, vintage flair to your bathroom design.
Upcycle an old chest of drawers into a beautiful vanity, like Victoria Plum customer @unpacking_onethreenine did
Tips for responsible disposal
Donate
If your fixtures are still in good condition but no longer suit your needs, consider donating them to organisations or individuals in need. Many charitable organisations accept donations of used fixtures for reuse in affordable housing projects or home renovations for low-income families.
For inspiration, why not see how the Victoria Plum Community Trust helped a charity in Northern Ireland?
Recycle responsibly
When it's time to part ways with old fixtures, make sure you recycle them properly. Check with your local recycling centre to see if they accept bathroom fixtures and follow their guidelines for disposal. Mild steel and aluminium heated towel rails and radiators, for example, are fully recyclable.
Consult a professional
If you're unsure about how to properly dispose of or recycle your old fixtures, consult with a professional waste management expert. They can provide guidance on the best practices for environmentally friendly disposal.
A trusted Trade professional should be able to offer sound advice on recycling your old bathroom fixtures
Some final words
By rethinking, reusing and recycling bathroom fixtures, we can all play a part in reducing waste and creating a more sustainable future. So, the next time you embark on a bathroom renovation or upgrade, think outside the box and consider the endless possibilities for giving old fixtures new life. Your home—and the planet—will thank you for it.
For further advice on what to do with your old bathroom, check out the following resources:
