16 Survival Uses For Garbage Bags That Will Surprise You: So Much More Than Trash

I often get asked, "What's the most important item someone can stock up on for all sorts of preparedness?" This is actually a trick question. The answer to that is obviously non-perishable food, water, and first aid. Then right up there with duct tape comes an unlikely hero. One that is so versatile, you can almost use it for any application and it won't fail you. In the prepper world, we like to stock things that are multi-use. But they're only multi-use if you know how to use it!

So much more than trash!Photo byRichelleg

Garbage bags are the MVP! (The unscented kind.) In the world of prep, garbage bags are the equivalent of Swiss Army knives!

Here are 16 creative ways to use garbage bags around your survival homestead:

Seed Starting Greenhouse:

Seeds need warmth and humidity to sprout. Garbage bags can offer both. Slide your seed trays in the bag, and use wire hangers or sticks to keep the bag up off your soil. Make a few holes in the top for ventilation or work the bag opening to keep the microclimate at optimal range for your seedlings, and you're good to go. You can also cut the bags open and use the plastic outside in your garden for frost protection, extending your growing season.

• Is using plastic to grow plants ideal? No. Remember, these are survival situation ideas for garbage bags. If you are having a hard time finding enough food and take to growing your own, having a "greenhouse" of sorts will help your chances immensely.

Garbage bag shelterPhoto byRichelleg

Quick Shelter

Believe it or not, you can make a temporary shelter out of garbage bags. Using duct tape, join the bags to form a bigger, waterproof surface. Next, make a simple A-frame or lean-to shelter frame. For support, use trekking poles or strong branches to brace the middle. This makeshift shelter isn't perfect, but it will keep you dry and protected from the weather. You can actually make it more comfortable by adding insulation such as pine needles or leaves!

Make Your Own Rain Catcher

Make that plastic into your own little clean water generator when it rains!

Create a gradual slope toward the center by stretching a large trash bag tightly between trees, branches, or over a pit dug in the ground. Raindrops will gather in the center of your homemade collector, ready to be collected as they fall. To funnel it into a container, just angle one corner slightly toward your container.

You can also "bag" a living tree branch in a clear plastic bag and close the opening around the branch. Condensation from the tree will gather in the bag, making water out of thin air.

Catching condensationPhoto byRichelleg

Obviously this won't generate enough water to survive off alone, but every bit helps.

A MacGyver Sling

Sprained shoulder in an emergency situation? Not to worry! Cut a garbage bag into a triangle and tie the ends over your neck to create a sling. It is waterproof, adjustable, and, when filled with ice or snow, it can even be used as a compress. Use duct tape to strengthen the sling for additional support, or fold extra cloth to make cushioning.

Waterproof Field Dressing for Wounds

Garbage bags are handy for injuries that need to stay dry. After covering the wound with sterile gauze, wrap with garbage bag strips. By doing this, a waterproof seal is created that lets air flow through the wound but keeps out moisture and debris. This is clever field medicine at its best!

Make a second layer for added security, or seal the edges with duct tape. Even in the wettest weather, the homemade dressing you made will keep that wound clean and dry.

First aidPhoto byRichelleg

Solar-Powered Dehydrator

Make a pretty good little solar food dryer out of trash bags. To do this, build a multi-level wooden structure and securely stretch a black garbage bag over the top. To finish the arrangement, add a small vent to the top to allow for adequate air circulation and arrange the food on racks within.

I don't recommend for meat, but fruits and veggies sliced thin enough will be dried from the sun's heat and the way the garbage bag traps it. Don't let the sun warmed trash bag touch your food for obvious reasons.

Water-Resistant Footwear

A lot of us did this with bread bags, and a lot of us still do. It works great to keep your socks dry in the snow too! For this application, you'd put your socks on, then the bag, then your boots. You'll remain warm and dry.

Temporary Water Storage

No canteen? No problem!

Emergency use only! Convert clean, unscented trash bags into improvised water containers. Tightly twist the top and fasten with a rubber band or knot to hold water. This approach works well for short hikes or makeshift camp setups, but it is not recommended for long-term storage. Keep out of the sun.

Blackout Curtains In Your Shelter

Garbage bags turn into covert weapons against telltale light when stealth is essential. For fast blackout curtains, cover windows with sturdy bags taped over them. This keeps your shelter cooler on hot days while also assisting you in keeping a low profile. Build several layers or use aluminum foil between them for increased light-blocking and climate control.

Weed Barrier

Place layers of trash bags over trouble spots to create an unbreakable weed barrier. To allow desirable plants to grow through, cut tiny X-shaped holes. This technique stops new weeds from growing in addition to suffocating the ones that already exist.

Fire Starter And Preservation

Dry tinder is absolute gold when it comes to wet survival situations. To keep fire starters dry, store newspapers, dryer lint, cattail fluff, or other similar items in sealed waste bags. You'll always have ready-to-light tinder on hand for those moments when you need to start a fire quickly. Make several small, tied packets that can be easily stored or packed to move. When the weather is bad, it can literally save your life.

Liner for Compost Bin

Use a sturdy garbage bag to line your compost container to transform your composting process. This makes it much easier to stir and aerate your compost pile while also assisting with moisture containment and preventing nutrient leaching. Remember to pierce a few tiny drainage holes to avoid standing water.

Use For Intended Purpose Of Waste Disposal

Well, it goes without saying, but in an emergency, this is absolutely vital. Disposing of waste properly keeps your camp area comfortable and prevents disease. This goes for both food waste and garbage, as well as human waste.

Garbage bags for.. garbage!Photo byRichelleg

Cleaning Gloves

Protection is essential while handling hazardous products or unhygienic environments. Put your hands into trash bags to create disposable gloves. They are not as strong as rubber gloves, but they will work in an emergency. It's like to having an unending supply of safety equipment! For added durability, fold the material in half and fasten it around your wrists using tape or rubber bands. When you're handling the gross stuff, your hands will appreciate it.

Backpack

The ability to carry things effectively when you're on the move is something you don't think about until you need to. Use a large garbage bag to make an emergency backpack. Create openings for the arms, strengthen the arm holes and bottom with duct tape, and you're done! It won't take home any fashion awards, but it will move your stuff from point A to point B with ease. Makeshift straps out of cordage or twisted bag strips for extra comfort.

Trail Markers

Use strips of garbage bags to mark trails or areas of interest to food and water. Shred into ribbons and tie to trees or branches to mark your way.

Trail markersPhoto byRichelleg

Important: Safety Information

Garbage bags have certain drawbacks.

High-heat applications should be avoided as the plastic may melt or create toxic fumes. Unless the bag is made expressly for storing food, never use it in close contact with food in normal, long-term situations. Also, use caution if you use it near small children or animals that could injest the plastic or get stuck in a bag.

Citations:

Api, S. (2022, October 20). 14 Survival Uses For Trash Bags. Survival Frog. https://www.survivalfrog.com/blogs/survival/survival-uses-trash-bags?srsltid=AfmBOoogVch6pPWBnBaGOuYEyfmuzYCh7YjulxFzUClhkAj7WAZGm_K_

Gold, S. (2024, August 8). Best Trash Bags for Security, Survival, and Prepping. TruePrepper. https://trueprepper.com/trash-bags/

MacWelch, T. (2013, November 26). 10 Survival Uses For A Trash Bag. Outdoor Life. https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/2013/11/10-survival-uses-trash-bag/