No matter where I roam, I inevitably stumble upon garbage or junk. Even in areas considered pristine wilderness or beaches, I’ve found a soda can or a plastic water bottle peeking through the foliage. The art of scavenging for survival-worthy junk is a skill unto itself—discovering it is just the first step. With some creativity, everyday items we often overlook can transform into essential survival gear. With a keen eye, you can turn trash into survival treasure!

Turn Trash to Survival Treasure

Not Only In the Wilderness

Forget the wilderness—think urban survival. In the concrete jungle, you’ll find a treasure trove of trash and useful bits just waiting to be transformed into versatile gear for cooking, comfort, food hunting, and survival. These items include metal containers like cans of various sizes, rags, and cardboard. 

The key is to see beyond the item in its current form and think outside the box. Every item has more than one use. Once you tap into this way of thinking out of necessity, it will be easier to see the potential. 

Cooking Hobo-Style

If you want to step it up in the “Hobo Cooking” department, ditch those flimsy commercial pie tins and grab a sturdy, heavy pie tin instead. They make excellent skillets for outdoor cooking and can withstand the elements if left outside. Just pinch down one part of the edge to create a handle—easy peasy! 

Choose a piece of wood for the handle and give it a little TLC with some light carving to keep it clean. Use a saw to cut a diagonal notch about two-thirds through the wood. Greenwood is your friend here; it’s strong and fire-resistant when cooking over hot coals or low flames. But don’t worry if you’ve got dry wood—it won’t last as long as freshly cut wood. The handle can be as long as you like and about as thick as a broomstick or slightly thicker. The width of a Swiss Army knife saw is perfect for fitting it onto the lip of the tin. Secure the handle, and you’re all set for a fantastic outdoor feast!

Tripod of Tin

Want to whip up a handy tripod without the hassle of lashing and frapping? Grab an old tin can! It’s a game-changer. Remember to use sticks roughly the same length and thickness for that perfect balance. Start by using your multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife to pop off the top or bottom of the can—trust me, it’s way easier that way. 

The trick is to make sure your sticks aren’t any thinner than a broomstick so they fit snugly into the can. This setup is ideal for hanging a kettle or small to medium pot over an open flame. Grab an awl or a knife and poke a hole in the can’s bottom. Once that’s done, stand up your three pieces of wood, position your can over them, and spread them out until they feel stable.

Next, thread a piece of cord through the hole you just made. A simple clove hitch on a stout stick will do the trick—it’ll catch on the can’s edge to hold everything in place. The other end can be a longer stick that slots through the handle of your kettle or pot for a secure fit. Adjust the tripod by spreading the legs wider to bring your kettle closer to the fire or pushing them together for a higher setup. You could even try this with an empty water bottle. Just make sure it’s not too small or flimsy. Happy cooking!

Mint Tin and Rags

Who knew your Altoids tin and old cotton T-shirts/rags could be your next lifesaver? It’s time to turn that mint container into a nifty fire kit by charring the cotton in it over a small fire.

First, grab your Altoids tin—it’s compact, durable, and the perfect vessel for this mission. Now, find some 100% cotton T-shirts that have seen better days. Cut them into small pieces, just enough to fit comfortably in the tin. 

Now for the fun part: setting up a small fire. Place the cotton pieces inside the Altoids tin, close the lid, and make a tiny hole in the top. Toss the tin on the fire, but don’t worry, we’re not grilling Altoids. Instead, we’re cooking up some first-class char cloth. The heat will remove all the volatile components of the cotton, leaving you with a perfectly charred material that quickly catches a spark using flint & steel. 

Once the smoke stops pouring from the hole, your char cloth is ready. Carefully retrieve the tin and let it cool down. You now have a handful of blackened cotton pieces that ignite with the lightest spark—truly a minimalist’s dream fire starter!

An Altoids tin is portable, and char cloth ignites easily, helping you start a fire. Repurposing an old T-shirt is sustainable, and making your fire kit boosts survival skills for camping or emergencies.

Catfood Stove

Meet the Super Cat, the clever alcohol stove often crafted from a Fancy Feast cat food can. Popular among backpackers and preppers, it’s a breeze to make using a Vienna sausage or any 3-ounce aluminum can fueled by denatured alcohol, HEET, or even Everclear.

To whip one up, punch about 16 holes around the rim of your can, fill it with 1 to 1.5 ounces of fuel, ignite it, and enjoy the clean burn. It’s versatile, too; it’ll work with solid fuels like Esbit tablets. Unlike bulky pressurized stoves that need many components, just place a pot on top of the Super Cat, and it transforms into a pressure chamber, forcing flames out through the side vents. No extra pot stand is needed—this stove does it all!

Keep an eye out in the forest or near dumpsters—you might discover some unexpected survival gear. Just come equipped with tools, creativity, and an open mind!

Foster’s Cook Pot 

You’ve probably heard of the trusty Foster’s cook pot if you’re a camper who loves to travel light and whip up your gear. It’s thicker than your average beer can and way more spacious, making it a favorite for many. If possible, don’t forget to use a safety can opener to remove the top—this will leave you with a pot that’s as good as it gets, complete with a built-in lid. 

A Foster’s beer can cook pot, complete with a wire hanger bail, is a survival luxury in my book. Sure, any old soda or beer can could work, but the Foster’s beer can? It’s as sturdy as it gets. I credit backpackers with this, as they traverse hundreds of miles and need a dependable, rugged cook pot to boil and cook in. 

First, grab your empty Foster’s can and cut off the top. Be sure to keep the edges as smooth as possible to avoid any unintentional finger slices. Now, let’s add that professional touch with a wire hanger bail. Take an old wire hanger and snip off a suitable length—this will serve as your pot’s handle.

Keep Cooking!

Punch two small holes near the top of the can, directly opposite each other. Thread the wire hanger through these holes, bending it into a sturdy loop. Voilà! You’ve got yourself a rugged, portable cook pot that’s light, compact, and ready to tackle the wild. This bad boy can handle your boiling needs, whether water, a hearty stew, or your favorite campsite coffee.

Pop in a small Super Cat or alcohol stove, and you’ll even have room for a water bottle filled with denatured alcohol to keep the cooking going. With this setup, you’re not just boiling water. You have a DIY masterpiece that combines practicality with a dash of backwoods flair!

Tin Can Lantern

If you find some cans abandoned in the wild or washed up on the shore, transform them into charming lanterns that add a delightful glow to your surroundings! Start by grabbing a sharp knife and carefully carving a large, bold capital “H” shape into the side of the can. Once you’ve made your precise cut, gently bend the flaps outward like delicate wings, creating a beautiful structure that invites light.

Next, fill the bottom of your newly crafted lantern with dirt, mud, or sand to establish a warm, cozy base. This earthy foundation not only adds stability but also enhances the rustic charm. Now, securely position your candle into the mix, ensuring it stands tall and proud—this step is crucial for maintaining balance, especially when the wind whispers through the trees.

Using the tab at the top of the can, you can easily hang your fabulous lantern high above, allowing the light to dance and flicker in the night air. Adjust the flaps to provide a protective shield for the flame, guarding it against any gusts that might try to extinguish its glow.

For an added touch of security, hunt down a scrap nail from a weathered post or a discarded piece of wood. Poke it through the bottom of the can, then carefully stick your candle onto it. Bamn. You’ve created a sturdy and stylish lantern that illuminates your space and brings a touch of imagination to your outdoor adventures. Enjoy the ambiance and the warm light that beckons you to stay a little longer in nature’s embrace!

Conclusion

Take note of the litter around you when you’re in nature—be it the woods, beach, or desert. Consider picking it up and using your creativity to make something useful. This practice can enhance your resourcefulness, which is essential in survival situations. You might be surprised by what you can create with a bit of ingenuity!Transforming Trash into Treasure: Creative Survival Solutions