10 Creative Ways to Give Reusable Shopping Bags New Life
Instead of ditching them, here's how to put them to good use.
If you have made the switch from disposable plastic shopping bags to reusable ones, chances are you have accumulated quite a collection of them—I sure have! Whether you get your groceries delivered, which results in gaining a fresh collection of reusable bags every week, or you find yourself constantly purchasing new ones on impromptu shopping trips, reusable bags can quickly pile up and take up excessive space in the car, entryway, and beyond.
If you're looking for ways to get them off your hands without tossing them, there are a couple of options; some stores allow you to bring back clean shopping bags to recycle them, you can donate gently used shopping bags to a local food pantry or soup kitchen, or drop them off at a designated recycling center in your area. Store and recycling policies vary from state to state, so make sure to check your local guidelines. Since reusable shopping bags are literally reusable however, you can also easily repurpose them in one of these clever and crafty ways.
Collect and Drop Off Recycling
Turn a reusable shopping bag into a DIY recycling bin for empty glass jars, food cans, or plastic bottles. This is a great way to reuse string or mesh bags, since the recyclable items are large enough not to fall through the open-weave construction. Hang the bag from a cabinet knob or pantry door handle for easy access, and once full, empty into your outdoor recycling.
Reuse as a Car Trash Can
Instead of snack wrappers and used napkins messing up your car, use a reusable shopping bags as a car trash can. Opt for a bag with a sturdy construction and a flat base. Place it on the floor or hang it up on a headrest hook to keep your vehicle clean on road trips and daily commute.
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Corral a Reusable Shopping Bag Collection
Use the largest and sturdiest of your reusable shopping bags to serve as the designated storage vessel for the rest of the bags. Keep it in the car or by the front door so it's always handy to put used bags back. Stack folded bags vertically to save space and keep the collection visible—it'll make selecting the right bag for any given shopping trip faster and easier.
Pack Shoes for Travel
Repurpose a reusable shopping bag as a travel shoe bag. Make sure the interior is clean, then place shoes inside and fold the bag over to close. It's a win-win: Your shoes won't get scratched and scuffed, and your packed clothing won't get dirtied or punctured by the shoes.
Use as Travel Laundry Bags
Here's a cost-free travel hack: Transform reusable shopping bags into on-the-go laundry bags. Inspect the bags for dirt, holes, and stains. Use more than one bag either to sort laundry by type, or if you're traveling as a family, give each person their own laundry bag.
Get Crafty
Think of a plain, unbranded canvas shopping bag as a blank canvas for a craft project! Personalize bags with monograms, paint designs using fabric paint, stitch a cool picture with colorful thread, or adorn the bags with colorful beads, buttons, and sequins.
Repurpose as a Gift Bag
Make your own gift bag for a bouquet of flowers or small present using a clean, unbranded reusable shopping bag. Check for any interior and exterior stains and ensure the seams are intact. Keep it plain or get creative with a gift tag or ribbon tied to the handle and a painted or stitched design to fit the gifting occasion.
Collect Clothing to Donate
Keep a reusable shopping bag in your closet so that as you get rid of clothing and accessories that no longer fit or you don't wear anymore, you can contain them in one spot. It also streamlines the thrift store donation process, since you can drop items off in the shopping bag instead of having to unbox or re-bag them.
Turn into a Beach Bag
Large reusable shopping bags make excellent beach and pool bags. Canvas bags especially are stretchy, sturdy, and breathable. Before you throw in your bathing suit and towel, discard any dirt and old receipts, and wash the bag. Bring a plastic bag to separate wet items and prevent them from ruining any books or magazines you packed.
Store Produce
Store produce such as apples, onions, and potatoes in reusable shopping bags. Cloth, mesh, and muslin bags are ideal for produce storage, as they are breathable. It's a good way to avoid plastic while keeping produce contained and organized by type. Check on the fruits and veggies frequently to prevent mold from forming and wash bags regularly.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
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