Are you planning to change your vehicle? So, what about your old license plates, you think about them?

Whatever the reason is, if you have a new car, you must have to end up productively with your old license plates. However, you can end up with your plates even at home by using several different ways that we are going to explain here.

You may recycle them and reuse them in multiple crafty projects. As you know, every state has different rules for each department. While talking about license plates, you have to follow the rules as you need to understand what things are necessary.

Before diving into different crafty ideas, let’s have a look at some details about the manufacturing of license plates.

What are License Plates Made Of?

Aluminum is used in the manufacturing of license plates; that’s why it is effortless to recycle them. In addition, the metal is used to melt down to cast into different objects. From silver items to cars, Aluminum is an essential element of hundreds of items. Therefore, this metal is always present in great quantity.

Other than recycling products made of Aluminum, you can even get a considerable amount of energy. For example, when recycled Aluminum is used in manufacturing products, the carbon emission reduces around 95%, which is extremely useful.

In 1903, license plates appeared to be useful for registering cars and tax drivers. In the past, different metals were used in the manufacturing of these plates, such as tin, steel, porcelain, and even soy-based fiberboard.  

Coming back to the point, what to do with old license plates. Well, as already mentioned that different states come up with other laws regarding license plates. According to New York rules, DMV and the plates are connected that’s why these plates come under their (DMV) hold.

How to Recycle License Plates

Let’s have a look at some valuable ideas to recycle license plates;

Even if you want to recycle your plates, you have to follow the rules that DMV has made in reliance on the safety purpose. These acceptable rules are provided to recycle plates, and in general, drivers tend to enjoy more options to choose from.

You must return old license plates to the office of licensing in person. Doing this may suck lots of your time as you have to deliver your plates to the specific counter.

Mail these plates to the office as per each state’s rules. Find a mailing address on the website to return old license plates.

You can even set your old license plates in an aluminum recycling bin. However, choosing this option will lead you to take out all the months and years labels and tear them down by bending, scratching, and cutting them into pieces.

If your valid plates get stolen and used in some criminal activity, you will be notified.

Some cities allow you to throw old aluminum plates in roadside bins. However, such kind of permission is rare. For this, you can contact the local recycling company regarding your license plates. You should always consider the governmental policies made for license plates. There might be some special rules to follow before handling your plates to someone else.

Other than recycling, you can even upcycle your old plates.

Up-Cycle License Plates

While researching dozens of ideas, we found that they are truly effective for reusing old license plates. So let’s have a look: 

Turning License Plates into a Map

Would you like to show up your creativity by using license plates?

You can make different maps with your old license plates that are no more usable. For example, you can make a wall map from old plates. Well, you need a bunch of plates for this activity because a few plates will be of no use. You can start making map projects only when you have all the required stuff. So, be prepared in advance to make an outclass craft piece.

Making Dustpan with License Plates

Dustpan is not a tricky thing to make with old plates as you can easily make it functional. Though it may not be a cool idea for some people, it is helpful to do with your old license plates.

Christmas Décor with License Plates

For Christmas preparations, you definitely have lots of bigger plans to make it entertaining. And it needs loads of stuff to execute your plans. So how would you react if you find that old license plates are useful in decorations of Christmas?

It will be an excellent idea for you, indeed. You can decorate your house from indoor to outdoor with the help of different decoration materials, including old license plates. Your plates are a superb idea to use in making Santa hats, Christmas trees, and much more.

Box with License Plates

To be honest, making a box out of your old license plates is the most straightforward idea till now. You only need to make a few turns and bends, and all done. You can use these boxes in different activities, such as on the tabletop holding random objects, in your family room, or in the kitchen.

You can even put small toys for your kids after playing.

Wall Sconces

You can turn old license plates into wall sconces hanging on the fence. You can add a variety of things to enhance the beauty of your backyard. It is a random idea to keep things sorted artistically. You will love it for sure.

Try these ideas or share them with others. Each idea is compelling that helps to make plates handy.