Reusing Milk Jugs

Plastic jugs from water, milk and orange juice are some of the most bulky and common trash seen in a family's recycling bins, but there are a number of fun and useful ways to reuse these sturdy containers. Be very aware that jugs that held dangerous liquids, like antifreeze, bleach or oil, are not at all appropriate for these uses and especially should never be used with kids.

Jugs should be rinsed very well and allowed to dry until absolutely all the moisture is gone when being prepared for reuse. If the reuse involves cutting the jug, sometimes it's easier to wash and dry the jug after the cutting is done, though all the original liquid should be well rinsed before any cutting takes place.

In the garden, plastic gallon jugs are useful as cloches, or miniature greenhouses, for heat loving tomato and pepper plants. They will allow the plants to be set out sooner than usual and will project other plants, such as peas and cabbages from light frosts very early in the spring gardening season. To use milk jugs this way, simply cut the bottom out of them, remove the lid, and place them over the seedling, an inch or two into the soil. They can be staked down through the handle if strong breezes prove to be a problem.

A plastic jug makes a wonderful scoop for bird seed, animal feed or potting soil as well. Cut the bottom out of the jug, cutting a "U" shape down toward, but not into, the handle, and leave the lid on. The handle works just as well in the opposite direction, and the scoop is ready for digging and moving.

Jugs can be cut off a few inches from the bottom, leaving a perfect tray for house plants. This can be colored with markers, crocheted along the top to decorate it, or have ribbon glued in place along the top to dress it up a bit.

Filled with gravel, small stones, or water, they're good for door stops and weights to hold down tarps and tents, patio furniture, etc. The handle formed in the side is always there for a convenient place for attaching bunch cords and looping through rope.

Freeze several jugs filled about ¾ of the way with water to make long lasting ice packs for large coolers for picnics and trips. They also can be cut to shape and used as trays to hold fruit and other foods out of the condensation and water in a cooler.

A litter can for the car can be made by cutting the top off above the handle, then using the handle to attach the jug to the back of the seat or under the dash board. A hook can be made by cutting a section of the handle out at the bottom, allowing the jug to hang from a tree limb or truck mirror when camping and picnicking.

A plastic jug can be a great makeshift funnel, just by cutting the bottom off the jug, just below where the handle meets the jug and using the original pouring hole at the bottom of the funnel set up. This can be used for liquids or small solids as well.

A milk jug attached to a post, with a hole in the top large enough to insert a ball of twine, and a small hole at the bottom to run the twine out will be a great asset when cutting lengths to tie back plants. This will keep the ball of twine under control and will keep it from getting muddy and difficult to use.

Cutting a hole near the top will allow plastic jugs to be used for storing a number of different items, from clothespins, to small toys, nuts and bolts, dog treats, etc. The hole should be cut near the top, opposite the side with the handle to make gathering up the items the most convenient. The hole should be large enough to allow reaching in without getting stuck!

There are so many uses around the house and garden for milk jugs, you won't have to waste the energy needed in the recycling process of these jugs again.