5 Clear Signs You Have Way Too Many Reusable Bags and What to Do With Them

Many stores no longer provide or use plastic bags as a way to make shopping more sustainable, causing many of us to stock up on our reusable bag stash. However, what often starts as one or two bags can quickly pile up into a 20, 30, or even 40+ bag collection!  

Know the signs of when your collection has reached its limit and what to do when you have too many reusable bags around your home.

5 Signs You Have Too Many Reusable Bags

If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s time to cut down on the totes.

• The bags are overflowing in the area where you normally store them.
• Bags are taking up too much space in your closet or car.
• Some bags are rarely used.
• You’ve thrown some reusable bags away.
• You have more than 15 bags.

How to Pick Which Bags to Keep

As you go through your reusable bags, keep these things in mind to decide which ones are worth hanging onto. 

Keep the Most Aesthetically Pleasing Ones

Not all reusable bags are the prettiest totes to lug around. Lots of businesses put their logos on canvas bags and unless you want to promote your dentist or insurance provider, it might be time to find a new home for those bags.

To narrow down your stash, pick the ones that fit your aesthetic best, whether you’re looking for a more neutral color palette or bags with fun designs. 

Consider Capacity 

As you go through your bags, keep the ones that will be able to hold the items you carry around the most. For example, keep large, heavy-duty bags for grocery runs and library books.

You also may want to keep a few smaller bags for things like wine bottles so they don’t roll around too much. 

Keep the Sturdiest Bags 

There’s nothing worse than a bag breaking while you’re lugging around groceries or heavy items. Make sure to keep the sturdiest bags you’re confident can hold the milk jugs or library books you carry around town. T

oss the bags with fraying straps, holes, or anything that could compromise its structure.    

What to Do With The Bags You Don't Keep

Now that you’ve narrowed down your reusable bag collection, here are a few ideas of what you can do with the bags you don’t want to keep. 

Donate Them

The best option is to give away your extra bags and totes to places that will actually use them. Animal shelters, libraries, schools, and other organizations often need reusable bags to transport goods, give out to foster caregivers, or organize items. Some thrift stores also use reusable bags as shopping bags for customers. 

Reach out to a shelter, food bank, or school near you to learn what their needs are and if they’d be interested in extra reusable bags. Chances are, they’ll happily take a few off of your hands! 

Use as Gift Bags

Yes, you can even use reusable bags to distribute gifts! Look for totes in your collection that might appeal to your intended gift recipient, such as a bookstore bag for a book lover. Add tissue paper inside and a bow on the straps for a little zhuzh, and you have a sweet, sustainably wrapped gift!

Recycle Them

Recycling is a great option for the bags that you don’t feel comfortable donating or giving with gifts due to their condition. Some places take reusable bags to be recycled or upcycled into something else.

For example, ChicoBag accepts reusable bag donations through its Pay It Forward Program (you can mail in your donation!). The company will either donate the bags to those in need or recycle or upcycle the bags into new products. 

How to Make Sure You Actually Use Your Bags

Now that you’ve minimized your collection, store your bags in places that will remind you to use them often. For example, keep a few bags near your door to help you remember to grab them before going shopping.

You can also keep a bag in your purse, backpack, or in your car for impromptu stops at the grocery store or other errands.