How to Reuse Milk Jugs

Get more out of a plastic milk jug than just milk. That simple gallon or half-gallon jug can make many household and yard tasks easier to accomplish. With a little creativity - and a pair of scissors - the alternative uses are virtually endless.

Things You'll Need

• Milk jug (half gallon or one gallon)
• Scissors

Instructions

In the home

1. Fill the jug about three-quarters full with water, leaving room for expansion. Put the jug in the freezer. Once frozen, use the jug in a cooler to keep food and drinks cold. It saves having to purchase bagged ice and sandwiches don't get soggy. After the frozen block melts, you have refreshing ice water to drink.

2. A completely dry jug is ideal for storing dry goods that come in bags or containers that don't reseal well. Think rice, cereal, sugar, popcorn kernels and more. Label and date foods that are perishable.

3. Cut a jug around the handle to create a scoop shape. Use the scoop for pet food or bird seed. Keep the lid attached to scoop, twist off and your scoop becomes a funnel.

4. Fill a jug with water to use as a personal fitness weight. Adjust the weight as needed by adding or dumping water. Lift by the handle to perform weight-lifting exercises.

In the yard

1. Use a clean, dry jug to store products for the outdoors. Fill a jug with sidewalk salt granules and shake it with the top off to spread it over icy walkways. Fill other jugs with fertilizer for gardens and plants or hummingbird food. Always label items stored in the garage or shed to prevent poisoning or other accidents.

2. Cut a jug in half, and use the top portion as a funnel for pouring fuel into the lawn mower or tractor.

3. Cut a jug around the middle, leaving a two-inch section in the center uncut to act as a hinge. Fill the bottom with planting soil to grow seedlings. Cover the seedlings with the top half of the jug for a greenhouse effect if necessary. Don't forget to poke some holes in the bottom of the jug for water drainage.

4. Fill jugs with water, rocks or sand to use as a weights for outdoor items like tarps and ground or pool covers.

Tips & Warnings

• Any milk jugs that aren't reused in the household should be recycled through a city or community recycling program, not thrown in the trash.

• Be sure to wash the jug thoroughly before reusing.

References

• This Old House