Plastic grocery bags are no friend to the environment, but they're hard to avoid altogether. Plastic bags can’t be put to the curb for recycling, so reusing them whenever possible is ideal. But how do you store them? If you have a handful of plastic bags littered haphazardly around your home, we’re here to help.
Sure, you can stuff a plethora of crumpled plastic bags into your largest one and call it a day. But this method is not only an eyesore, it's inefficient. Depending on the size of the bag you choose to hold the others, it’ll most likely take up more space than necessary and allow bags to spill out, thanks to the wide opening. Instead, try one of these easy and inexpensive organizing techniques to keep your stash tidy. Below are a few of our favorite ways to store plastic grocery bags so they’re organized and ready to be repurposed.
1. Reuse Empty Containers
Upcycling is sustainable, simple, and can become a fun DIY project. If you have any of the following items that are almost used up in your home, transform their containers into a plastic bag storage solution:
- Baby wipes
- Cleaning wipes
- Tissue box
- Coffee can
- Oatmeal canister
Make sure whatever container you use is clean and dry before filling them with bags. Baby and cleaning wipes, along with tissue boxes, require less effort as they have a built-in opening for dispensing bags. But you can carefully cut an X shape into the top of a coffee or oatmeal can lid to produce the same effect. For a more aesthetic appearance, cover the container in pretty contact paper.
The best way to add bags to any of these containers is to employ a roll method. After you’ve gathered all your plastic bags, start by smoothing one flat onto a surface and folding it in half vertically. Do the same with a second bag, then lay its handles on top of the bottom of the first bag. From the top of the first bag, tightly roll down (make sure its handle is still accessible) until you almost reach the bottom of the second bag. Add a third bag and roll again. Repeat this process until all the bags are bundled. To finish, place the whole roll into your container and pull the exposed handle through the opening. Now, your plastic bags will always be available, even if you’re on the go.
2. Use a Lidded Bin
Trash bag dispensers are a popular option to keep rolls of large trash bags accessible in areas like under the kitchen sink. Many come divided, so you can add kitchen bags on one side and store recycling on the other. If you already have an organizer like this but only use one half, consider storing plastic grocery bags in the empty section. Otherwise, you can create your own version of a dispenser by using a lidded bin with handles that’s been lying around the house.
This is an especially smart idea if you have more plastic bags than will fit in one of the smaller containers mentioned above. Follow the same rolling method and pull the first bag’s handle through one of the bin’s handles. It helps to place something heavy on top, like a caddy of cleaning supplies, so the bin stays put as you grab a bag.
3. Hang a Cloth or Mesh Bag Holder
Rather than taking the time to roll, consider this effortless option. Cylinder-shaped bags exist for the very purpose of plastic bag storage. Find a fabric holder in a pattern you adore (or try sewing your own to customize its look) or one made of mesh, and stuff it from the top opening with balled-up plastic bags. Hang the holder anywhere convenient, such as in the mudroom or laundry room. Whenever you need a bag, just pull one out from the hole in the bottom.
4. Mount a Sturdy Bag Dispenser
If you’re obsessed with home organization, this plastic bag storage solution will probably be your favorite. There’s no shortage of products designed to dispense bags, so search for one that fits your style and space. Install a sleek stainless steel version on a wall in the pantry or hook a wire basket inside the under-the-sink cabinet door. Most dispensers have a generous opening at the top, so you can pack a lot of plastic bags inside and then tug a single bag from a smaller slit on the bottom or front.
5. Recycle Them
Once you’ve organized your plastic bags, you might realize you have more than you need. Unfortunately, they fall into the category of household items you should never recycle because their thin material gets tangled and can damage machines. The good news is that many grocery stores have plastic bag recycling drop-off bins near the front, such as at customer service.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Cornetta, M. (2024, November 23). 5 Ways to Store Plastic Grocery Bags for Easy Reuse. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-to-store-plastic-grocery-bags-8734751