Plastic Ban

One of the first things people ask when we mention that bags are banned is “What will I use as a trash bag or pet waste clean up bag?” While there are still trash and pet waste bags on the market that you can purchase, there are some creative solutions you can also try:

• Old or dirty food storage bags from bread, tortillas, cheese, snacks, etc. that would otherwise be discarded can be given one last purpose as small waste disposal bags
• Large product bags or boxes including delivery packaging, pet food or cat litter packaging, or compost/gardening packaging are great options for larger trash or pet waste disposal.
• While the plastic bags are no longer distributed at local stores, you may still receive a paper bag which is great for pet waste scooping and as small trash bags.

Dry Goods

• Reuse clean bread, tortilla, cereal, cracker, and other food packaging for lunches, snacks, or storing dry goods.
• Use reusable silicone bags, washable fabric snack bags, containers, jars, or repurposed takeout containers.
• For messy foods, put the container inside a reusable lunch bag rather than relying on a disposable bag.

Freezer Storage

• Reuse appropriate food packaging that is clean and designed to hold food.
• Repurpose containers such as yogurt tubs, takeout containers, jars, or other freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze food in reusable silicone bags or containers when appropriate.

Travel & Packing

• Try a reusable toiletry bags and containers, packing cubes, or small pouches.
• Reuse sturdy packaging from products you already purchased for organizing small items.

Car & road trips

• Keep a small reusable trash container or washable bin in the car.
• A reusable container with a lid can handle the inevitable road-trip snack wrappers.
• Store emergency supplies in reusable pouches instead of disposable bags.

Dirty or Wet Clothing

• Keep a washable wet bag in a gym bag, diaper bag, hiking pack, or car.
• An old pillowcase or towel can also work for containing damp clothing until it can be washed.

Moving & Transporting Items

• Save sturdy boxes, paper bags, reusable shopping bags, and packing materials for future moves or transporting items.
• Ask friends, neighbors, or community groups for used boxes before purchasing new ones.

Storage & Organization

• Small boxes, jars, tins, paper bags, and product packaging can become organizers for craft supplies, cords, hardware, pet supplies, etc.
• Reusable fabric bags can help organize seasonal items.

Yard Waste

• For small amounts of leaves, weeds, or other yard debris, use a bucket, reusable garden tub, tarp, wheelbarrow, or paper yard-waste bag where appropriate.
• For larger projects, go directly into a compost/yard-waste container rather than bagging material first.

Donations & Sharing

• Use reusable bags, boxes, or paper bags when dropping off clothing and household goods.
• If you're giving something away through Buy Nothing, Facebook Marketplace, etc., consider asking the recipient to bring their own bag or container.

• Reusable totes or bins for internal transport
• Cardboard boxes and paper bags for appropriate materials
• Reusable laundry-style bags for uniforms or textiles
• Wheeled carts/totes for moving materials around a facility
• Reusable containers for deliveries between locations
• Designing purchasing and inventory systems to avoid unnecessary secondary packaging