Abstract: A holder for containers and covers, particularly for empty margarine containers and their covers or similar items, comprising a circular base and having a first set of positioning recesses for three retaining rods spaced apart arcuately a distance of one hundred twenty degrees centered on an outer concentric circle. A second set of positioning recesses is provided in the base, also spaced apart arcuately a distance of one hundred twenty degrees and centered on an inner concentric circle. This positioning of recesses at arcuate intervals of one hundred and twenty degrees of a circle makes it possible for only three retaining rods seated in such recesses to hold circular containers and their covers of substantially the same diameter as such circle within the holder and against lateral movement from the holder. The plurality of sets of three arcuately spaced positioning recesses makes it possible to use the holder for containers and covers of different size diameters.