5. Collect Recycling
I always hang on to my paper grocery store bags to use to collect my recycling. When the bag gets full, I can take the whole bag to the recycling center without having to transfer it in or out of another container.
6. Collect Compost
Speaking of collecting things, another great way to use paper bags is to collect items for your compost pile. Then when you take it out to your compost pile, you can shred the paper bag up and toss it in right in too! (Smaller pieces of paper bag will break down faster, so make sure to tear it up into small pieces if you can!)
7. Wrap A Gift
You can use a paper bag to wrap a small gift! Just cut the bag up so you can lay it out flat, and wrap your item up. Wrap a piece of cute twine around it as a finishing touch, and it’s ready to be gifted! (I love the rustic look of these little packages for handmade gifts like homemade soap and bath bombs.)
8. Filler Material
If you have access to a paper shredder, you can put a few paper bags through to create your own filler material. These little paper shreds can be used as filler for gifts or as packing material. You can also use it to cushion fragile items for storage.
Related: 9 (More!) Gifts In A Jar
9. Arts & Crafts
Cut open a few paper bags and use them for art projects like drawing and painting. Or you can use them to protect your tabletop from messy projects like DIY projects, egg dyeing, or pumpkin carving.
