Cardboard tubes protect rolled items, fill voids in boxes, entertain small pets, and serve as craft materials. Remove plastic parts before recycling or composting and reinforce tubes for heavy-duty uses.
Why cardboard tubes still matter
Cardboard tubes - from heavy-duty mailing tubes to the tubes left over from paper towels and toilet paper - are inexpensive, low-weight, and surprisingly versatile. They protect rolled paper items, fill voids in boxes, make quick pet toys, and serve as raw material for countless crafts. Below are practical, up-to-date ways to put them to work around the home.Storage and protection for rolled goods
For posters, blueprints, maps, and large-format prints, use a sturdy mailing or poster tube with snug end caps. The rigid cylinder prevents creases, tearing, and most light damage when stored or transported. For best results, roll items loosely around a protective core or acid-free interleaf, and secure the ends with caps or tape.Packing and moving
Cardboard tubes make excellent void-fillers and edge protectors when moving. Cut longer tubes to size to brace fragile items or bundle small items together to prevent shifting. Lightweight tubes won't add much weight to the box but can reduce movement and impact during transit. For valuable or heavy items, combine tubes with bubble wrap or foam for added protection.Pets and small animals
Many small pets enjoy the chewable, tunnel-like quality of cardboard tubes. Hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, and some birds use them as hideaways or chew toys. Remove any plastic caps and inked labels first, and avoid tubes that are coated or treated with chemicals. Supervise the first few uses to ensure your pet doesn't ingest large pieces of cardboard.Crafts, DIY, and home projects
Cardboard tubes are a staple for quick, low-cost crafts. Use them to make napkin rings, seed starters, gift packaging, cord organizers, and kids' projects like telescopes or building blocks. Cut cleanly with a utility knife and reinforce any load-bearing pieces with tape, glue, or a thin wooden dowel.Sustainability and disposal
Most plain, uncontaminated cardboard tubes are recyclable with curbside paper/cardboard programs and are generally compostable in home compost bins. Remove non-paper components (plastic caps, heavy tape, labels) before recycling. If a tube is heavily soiled or coated, check your local recycling guidelines or reuse it for non-food projects first.Quick tips
- Keep a small bin for clean tubes so you have a ready supply for crafts or packing.
- Use mailing tubes with end caps for long-term poster storage.
- Cut tubes to make custom spacers or edge protectors when packing.
- Always remove plastic parts and inks if you plan to recycle or compost.
FAQs about Cardboard Tubes
Can I use paper-towel or toilet-paper tubes to store posters?
Paper-towel and toilet-paper tubes are usually too short and flimsy for posters. Use a rigid mailing or poster tube with end caps for long-term protection; short cores are better suited for small crafts or pet toys.
Are cardboard tubes recyclable?
Plain, dry cardboard tubes can typically be recycled with curbside paper/cardboard programs. Remove plastic caps, heavy tape, and labels first. If the tube is coated, contaminated, or wet, check your local recycling rules or compost it if appropriate.
Are cardboard tubes safe for small pets?
Yes, many small pets enjoy cardboard tubes as tunnels and chew toys. Remove plastic parts and printed labels, avoid chemically treated tubes, and supervise initial use to prevent ingestion of large pieces.
How can I use cardboard tubes when moving?
Use tubes as void-fillers, edge protectors, or to bundle fragile items. Cut longer tubes to size to brace items and combine them with bubble wrap for heavier or valuable objects.
How do I reinforce a cardboard tube for a craft or DIY project?
Reinforce tubes with tape, hot glue, or by inserting a wooden dowel or smaller tube inside. For load-bearing uses, layer tubes or add a thin plywood strip to distribute weight.