If you're anything like us, chances are high you've got an Android tablet gathering dust in a drawer somewhere, unused and unloved. You might have received one as a Christmas or birthday present one year, and just not have found a compelling use for it. It might have served you faithfully for years, but has been rendered slow and unwieldy under the weight of multiple software updates.

It's not the end of the road for your tablet. Sure, you could sell it, and make a fraction of the original purchase price. You could throw it in the trash, which will contribute to the ever-increasing amount of hazardous electronic waste. Alternatively, you can put your Android tablet to use in a DIY project. Here are five ideas to get you started.

1. As a Digital Picture Frame

A digital photo frame on a shelf

We've never really understood the appeal of digital picture frames. For us, they've been the ultimate white elephant tech product, in the same vein as hoverboards, HD-DVD players, and selfie sticks. Indeed, these power-hungry gadgets do a worse job than the analog pictures they're supposed to replace, as they often ship with screens that are low resolution and look washed out.

Then again, perhaps we're wrong, as literally millions of digital picture frames have been sold. Perhaps we're missing the thing that gives them their appeal. Either way, if you've got an old tablet, you don't need to go out and buy one. Just plug it into the mains, group the photos into a slideshow using a Slideshow Maker app, and you're away.

But wait, we hear you interject. Digital picture frames come with a built-in stand, but most Android tablets don't. Well, that's true. Of course, you can purchase a tablet stand from Amazon quite cheaply, but there's a better way. Just download a tablet stand design from Thingiverse, and head to your local makerspace, where you'll be able to print it using a 3D printer.

Thingiverse is essentially the iTunes of 3D printer designs. When it comes to tablet stands, the site has a smorgasbord of device-specific designs. It also has a number which are device-agnostic, and will work with anything. Plus, since they're open source, you'll be able to modify them as required.

2. As a Security Camera

Ceiling security camera and a hand holding a smartphone
Image Credit: giggsy25/Shutterstock.com

Over the past few years, phone cameras have gotten better and better, to the point where people are taking near-studio-quality snaps with an iPhone. But that's not to say that the phone and tablet cameras of recent history are bad, per se. They were, and perhaps still are, good enough for taking selfies and shooting snaps of your dinner.

They're also ideally suited to be used as a security camera. Think about it: tablets and smartphones have the ability to constantly stream video to the cloud. Even the oldest ones have sharper cameras than those which ship with low-end commercial CCTV products. Software shouldn't be a problem. In addition to streaming services like Twitch, there are also products designed to turn old Android devices into surveillance cameras.

But how would you go about securing your tablet in the best possible way? Well, if you're using your front-facing camera, you might be tempted to attach a magnet to a blob of Sugru, and use that to fasten it into place. Alternatively, you can modify one of the many webcam stands available on Thingiverse to fit the dimensions of your tablet. One of the most promising designs we've seen is the ZYYX Webcam Holder.

3. As a Kitchen Computer

A couple looking at a tablet device in the kitchen
Image credit: Anna Shvets/Pexels

Fluids and electronics don't mix well, hence a kitchen isn't a great space for a computer. Your old tablet, however, won't take up much space; you could even mount it to a cupboard or the wall. And when it does catch a splash or two, you can easily wipe it off.

To make your Android tablet fit for the kitchen, install your favorite recipe apps or YouTube, and have your favorite chefs right at your fingertips while cooking or baking their latest creations. You could also add an oven timer, a unit conversion and ratio calculator, or another useful cooking app. A fan favorite in this space is KitchenPal, a smart pantry assistant.

4. As a Bathroom Radio

A person resting while listening to the radio
Image Credit: Eric Nopanen/Unsplash

Don't feel comfortable bringing your phone into the bathroom? Turn your tablet into your bathroom's stationary entertainment station. All it takes is a radio app like TuneIn Radio, and you can listen to almost any radio station worldwide. You could also install the dedicated app of your favorite station or news program, or listen to podcasts. Your bathroom entertainment possibilities are endless.

Instead of using touch controls while doing your business or taking a shower, use Google Assistant's voice control to launch your apps. This makes your tablet so much better than an old-school radio. Just be sure to cover the cameras.

5. As a Smart Home Dashboard

Two hands holding a tablet device next to a garden sprinkler system
Image Credit: Happy_Nati/Shutterstock

If your smart home system didn't come with a mission control station, create your own dedicated smart home hub using your own Android tablet.

There are some compelling third-party web platforms that allow you to control your smart home devices. SharpTools offers a dashboard app that works with SmartThings, Hubitat, and Home Assistant; it's free for one dashboard and up to 15 tiles. Alternatively, if you know how to code, you can build your own using Home Assistant, Node-RED, or Dashing.

Missing a stand or wall mount? You can create your own stand using the aforementioned 3D printer designs on Thingiverse. Alternatively, you could Sugru some magnets to its back, and attach it to your refrigerator.

Recycle Your E-Waste

The projects above might get you an extra few years out of your old Android tablet. One day, however, the tablet will switch off for the very last time. When that time has come, don't put it back in your drawer, and don't toss it in the trash, either.

Every piece of electronic holds valuable materials worth recovering. Find a recycling plant near you or return it to an electronics store that takes back old devices, such as Best Buy.