19 Smart Ways to Save Money on Trash Bags (& Earn Cash Back)

Put a second smaller bin in the kitchen next to the regular tall bin. Then put the bags from the grocery store in the small bin and have everyone in the house put the trash in the small trash can unless it won’t fit. Put the big items (that won’t fit in the smaller trash can), in the big bin.

You’ll find that you’ll have to empty the small trash can often but since you already have the bags from the grocery store you’re getting free trash bags.

Sure, the large can will still fill up but much more slowly since you are putting most of your garbage into the small one, with the free bag in it!

What if I get my groceries in the paper bag?

Use paper bags for collecting recyclable materials.

Not only does this save you money on trash bags, you also are doing your part in using less plastic to keep our planet healthier.

3. Reuse other bags too

It’s not just grocery bags from the grocery store that can be used as free trash bags.

Any bag can be used.

Например, the bags from potatoes or carrots can be used, bags from online orders and the plastic bags found on furniture.

Any plastic bag that you get, along with the ones you get from the grocery store, should be saved for later use or recycling.

4. Recycle more and throw out less

Taking more items to the recycling center, rather than throwing them in the trash serves two purposes:

1. firstly it’s better for the environment,
2. and secondly, it means there’s less trash taking up space in your garbage can.

Так, recycle more, and you won’t fill up as many garbage bags.

Many garbage collection companies now offer single stream recycling in addition to your regular trash pickup.

Our recycling service is free! We have a separate can that all our recyclable materials go into together, and it could not be easier to recycle.

Since we started taking advantage of the recycling program, we use far fewer trash bags than before.

Wanna take it one step further and actually make money?

Read How to make money recycling plastic и Get paid to recycle paper (newspaper, cardboard., etc).

4. Cancel your junk mail

Junk mail is another thing that many of us throw out – plus you have to take the time to separate the real mail from the junk mail.

You can stop junk mail by registering with the Data & Marketing Association. You can stop getting mail from a particular company or from an entire category.

If you do, however, like getting junk mail (for whatever reason) don’t throw ’em out. Use them to make money!

Да, there are companies that pay for your junk mails!

6. Reduce your Waste

One of the easiest ways to save money on garbage bags is to reduce your waste.

The United States wastes more than $160 billion in food a year!

Так, take the time to consider what you most often throw out – just be more mindful for a week about what you actually put in the trash.

Например, many of us throw out fruits and vegetables that have gone bad at the back of the fridge. Bring them to the front and you’ll be more likely to use them.

Также, freeze food that you won’t use before it expires.

7. Crush plastic bottles to save space

This is something that’s super effective.

Crushing plastic bottles makes them much smaller, so they take up less space, meaning that you use fewer garbage bags.

8. And cut up boxes to save space as well

Cutting up cereal boxes and other cardboard items is another easy way to save space.

You can put it into the trash in pieces instead of putting the whole thing at once which takes much more space.

9. Reuse and repurpose items

This is one of the most effective tips on this list.

Reuse things like empty jars, bottles, bags and cereal boxes.

You can use them for storage or craft projects.

10. Turn your trash into compost

One of the easiest ways to save space in the trash bag – and therefore use less of them – is to compost your kitchen waste.

Set up a small compost bin where you can place things like the ends of chopped fruits and vegetables. This can save a surprising amount of space in your trash bin!

Don’t know how?

HGTV has a great guide on composting for beginners.

11. Make your food from scratch

Making food from scratch is a great way to save money by cooking at home.