Incredible Alternative Uses For Garbage Bags

Garbage bags are one of those things most people don’t think twice about. They’re made for trash, so that’s how they’re used. But garbage bags can be surprisingly useful in ways you might never have expected. Here are a few smart, creative ways to use garbage bags around your home or while you’re out and about.

Make a Sit-Upon

If you’ve ever been stuck without a dry place to sit outside, you’ll want one of these on hand.

A pair of hands pushing some newspaper into a garbage bag.
Photo Credit: ManMadeDIY

Take some old newspapers and lay them in a garbage bag until it’s thick enough to sit on, then tie or tape the ends shut. You now have a sit-upon! It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for picnics, camping, sports games, or waiting in long outdoor lines.

A folded up garbage bag taped together.
Photo Credit: ManMadeDIY

Makeshift Tablecloths for Easy Cleanup

When working on a messy project, be it craft or cooking related, a garbage bag makes a great throw-away tablecloth.

Craft mess, paint, glitter, and cut up foam/felt on a garbage bag surface.
Photo Credit: ManMadeDIY

Just cut the bag open and spread it flat over your table. When you’re done, roll it up with all the crumbs, spills, or scraps inside and toss it out. It saves time on cleaning and protects your table from damage, stains, and stickiness!

A garbage bag seem from above that's tied up on top.
Photo Credit: ManMadeDIY

Protect Your Bag From The Rain

If you live anywhere it rains, try keeping a garbage bag folded in the bottom of your backpack or purse.

A pair of hands measuring the length of a backpack's straps.
Photo Credit: ManMadeDIY

If the weather turns bad, slip your whole bag into the garbage bag for protection. Tie it closed or tuck the open end under to keep water out. You can even cut slits for the straps if you still want to wear it while protecting the contents. It’s a cheap, lightweight emergency item you’ll be happy you had on hand!

A backpack covered in a garbage bag with the straps sticking out.
Photo Credit: ManMadeDIY

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Garbage bags might not seem like much more than well, garbage, at first glance, but they have a lot of hidden value. Having a few on hand can help in unexpected situations, from keeping dry to staying clean to making life just a little more comfortable. Sometimes, the most ordinary items can be the most useful.