Multiple Uses for Garbage Bags
When is a trash bag not a trash bag? When we look at it as a raw material, one that can be reshaped, repurposed and reimagined.
After that, a trash bag is the solution to a problem around the house, in the great outdoors and in preparations made today to survive the uncertainties of tomorrow.
The main distinction between types and makes of trash bags is the thickness of the material. Trash bag thickness is measured in mils. Cheaper bags will have walls 1 mil thick or thinner.
That’s fine for getting to the garbage can, but not much more. For a better raw material, look for a minimum of 2 mil. The best plastic material is 3 mils thick. These trash bags are often marketed as contractor bags. They can stand up to heavy workloads, resist punctures and last far longer.
Here are a variety of uses for garbage bags when you’re outdoors:
Mark a trail. Simply cut a trash bag into strips and tie them onto tree branches or bushes at eye level. This creates a simple way for you to navigate your way back through thick vegetation. White bags work best. Remember, leave no trace behind. Remove your markers on the way out.
Clean clothes. When camping, wash clothes in a bag filled with water. Add soap, agitate, empty and add clean water to rinse.
Contain spills. Line your backpack with a trash bag to keep contents waterproof and contain spills.
Take a shower. Fill a black trash bag with water and hang it in the sunlight for a few hours. Once the water is warm, poke holes in the bottom of the bag and enjoy a warm shower.
Shoe covers. Open a trash bag, step inside and tie or secure with duct tape to keep rain and snow at bay. Great when crossing a shallow stream or marshy ground.
Following are a couple of uses for garbage bags when you’re indoors:
Control closet clutter. Attach a small garbage bag to a hanger to create storage for small, loose items like socks or gloves. Group clothes that are out of season on hangers, then bag them from underneath.
Garment guard. Garbage bags can quickly be turned into garment bags with a well placed hole at the center of the bottom seam for the top of a hanger to emerge. A great way to get a dance recital costume safely home in the rain.
Below are some uses for garbage bags when you’re in survival mode:
Rain gear. Garbage bags make great improvised rain gear. Cut holes for your head and arms so you can continue to work. If you are hunkering down to shelter from the elements, the fewer holes the better.
Water collector. Use a trash bag to collect condensed water. Hang your bag in a bush, tree or a stand you create from debris to use as a water catch basin for rain or snow. You can also gather water from a river or lake to haul to a separate location. You can then boil, douse a fire or use the water you collected to clean game. Place a clear bag over green vegetation, and water will evaporate from the green material and collect in the bag.
Bug out. In an urban survival situation, trash bags make a great bug-out bag for clothes, food and supplies. In the wild, it’s a great carrier for wild edibles, harvested game and fire-starting materials. A clear bag lets you easily see and find what you need.
Warm and dry. Use a bag to separate your body or gear from the moisture and debris on the ground. Upgrade by filling the garbage bag with leaves, cattail heads or other soft debris for more insulation and cushioning. Body heat will be captured in the forest debris, within the bag. If it is not raining, poke some holes in the bag for moisture to escape. Otherwise, the condensation will remain in the bag and all the contents, including you, will get wet. If temperatures are low, tape trash bags around your legs, arms and torso for makeshift thermal underwear that will help retain your body heat.
And don’t forget, regardless of whether you are indoors or outdoors, garbage bags are also good for their original purpose – garbage collection.
I had just had a baby and it was Halloween and I had no costume for my daughter, found a witch had and blonde wig….it was really cold and the kids were going in the back of a pick up for trick or treat….all I had was a black long sleeve shirt and black leggings, so I used the bag as the witch’s dress….she was the only kid that did not get sick from being in the cold…it worked.
I once used one for a pumpkin costume for my son by filling the orange bag (already put on him & sealed at the bottom) with leaves from our (now nude) tree. Made a stem and leaves with green cardstock pinned to a beanie.
I remember a time when living in Chula Vista, which is near San Diego, there would be stream of Mexicans crossing into the USA by the beach. They would have to swim across a small river and they would have a garbage bag covering their bodies with their heads and arms sticking through the plastic bag. In their hands they would have another garbage bag with their dry closes in. It was called the Tijuana rain coat.
Years later when I joined the Army I had my troops out in the field. The skies opened up and dropped a drenching rain that I have never seen before. we had plenty of garbage bags but no ponchos. So I my troops put on their Tijuana rain coats. In doing so, I had them keep their M-16 rifles under their rain jacket too. A M-16 will rust solid so fast it will make your head spin. This way our rifles were dry and functional.
I also taught my troops that a garbage bag is great in getting fresh water when there is no water to be had. You take a garbage bag and tie around a tree limb with a lot of green leaves. Water will evaporate from the leaves and accumulate inside the bag giving you water to drink. You can do this 3 times before having to look for another branch with leaves.
Cliff, this is awesome, thanks. I’ve not read about the branch condensation thing. How much water would collect in what length of time?
They can also in an emergency become a float either by blowing into the almost closed bag or by catching air in them.
And don’t forget.. When those tough bags finally wear out … Don’t throw them in the garbage. They can be recycled.
Worn out bags can be used as stuffing for insulation in a blanket or other bag; or for packing material for breakable items to ship. Cover a hat with a plastic bag to keep your hat and head dry & slow down heat loss. Cover your car windshield (tie it down) to keep snow and ice from sticking to it. It can be a makeshift porta-potty or the lining for a bucket to use as a porta-potty. Wrap food or body waste in a garbage bag and bury it to mask the odors longer. Wrap it around a bandage to keep it dry. Wrapping one around your pant legs while traversing sand or thick bush will keep insects and sticky sap, etc. off your pant legs and out of your shoes. When it rains heavily and I have to walk down a sidewalk, I use a large garbage bag to protect against passing cars splashing water onto me. You can gorilla tape one to a makeshift umbrella (like a snowshoe frame, etc.) Use as an emergency tablecloth. The list goes on…
Thanks for adding to the list, Linda. Those are some great usages!