Plastic Bag Dispenser

Ever figure out where to put those tons of plastic bags you get when you go to the groceries? Here's a cheap way to do it while teaching your young ones the value of recycling!

Ingredients:

4-5 cans.(Milk can size recommended so that your hand and the plastic bag just fits. Remove paper labels. Open BOTH sides. Make sure there are no sharp edges. File sharp edge if necessary.)
Paper clips
Alligator clips
Glue
Magic tape
Kraft paper, Gift wrapper and ribbon remnant pieces, other decors
Scissors

Method/Instructions

Align the cans on top of each other. Tape one end to another so that it forms a long tube.
Measure the height of the can between the upper and lower tab. Cut 4.5 rectangular pieces (depending on how many cans you have) of gift wrappers or Kraft paper with a height equal to the measured height. Do not worry about the lenth - you can cut it down later.
Decide which paper goes on which can so that the paper design on them will look well.Paste the rectangular paper pieces around the cans, making sure that it is all covered. Cut the length where appropriate (for example, the design becomes concealed because of the length.)
Decorate the cans with various stickers, ribbons and other decors. Key point is to place recycling-related phrases that you can point out to the kids in teaching a lesson on this subject.
Place the alligator clips on the tube top side, as far away from each other.
Tread the paper clips so that it forms a hoker. The Plastic Bag dispenser is noy ready to be hung - on kitchen cabinet knobs, on pantry door knobs or just about anywhere. Just make sure they are low enough for the young ones to reach - so they can do the stuffing in or pulling out of the plastic bags!

One last tip: Segregate plastic bags that have holes in them versus those that do not have holes. Place them in different dispensers. Label your dispensers as appropriate so there will be no guessing needed which one is which.

Feedback

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By 03/18/2011

The only reason I like a Kleenex box better is that it's easier to move. On the other hand, it's also easier to lose!

By 06/21/2006

Wash a milk jug thoroughly. Let dry completely. Cut a circular hole in one side (not where the handle is). Then tuck in bags, they will be ready to dispense and convenient to stow under counters.

By 03/09/2006

I keep mine in an extra drawer in each bathroom (how did I manage that, I'll never know!) I have a drawer that fits extra toiletpaper and the bags for the garbage perfectly, but this idea is great for the closet by my kitchen.

By 08/19/2005

How fun! What a great idea. In addition to plastic grocery bags, you could also make one for trash bags or garage rags. If you wash the rag, then just put it in the top again. Brilliant. :)

What's in YOUR garage? http://www.home-garage-help.com

By kaklos (Guest Post) 08/09/2005

I have a plastic bag dispenser I made from a $1 dish towel to match my kitchen. I just sewed the long sides together and put a little extra elastic in the ends. I used a ribbon to make a "hook" and now it hangs on a cabinet!

By 08/09/2005

That is so cute and it's such a great idea. I've just been using a kleenex box, but this idea is so much better. This is something that I wouldn't mind people seeing. Looks great!

By Snigdibbly (Guest Post) 08/09/2005

I just got a pattern to cut plastic bags into strips and then crochet into totes and rugs. Nice project while watching tv at night and only cost my time.
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/Plastic%20Bag%20tote.html

By 08/08/2005

I Use kleenex boxes, no cutting or gluing needed
Just stuff and use

http://www.frugalforlife.com

By 08/08/2005

I made a grocery bag dispenser out of a used bread wrapper and a small margarine lid with a hole cut in it.

Turn the bread wrapper inside out and put the closed end through the cut out in the margarine lid. The hole should be big enough to get out a grocery bag, about 1 inch across.

Now pull the wrapper's edges around the cut out completely surrounding it, covering it with the bread wrapper completely. Tuck in the edges on the other side.

Now turn the bread wrapper right side out and it is ready to use.

Fill with plastic bags, which I use as gloves to clean the yard of litter and trash, and hang somewhere handy. I am sure you can get more creative and use material bags or decorated plastic bags, but I am trying to recycle the bread bags. I have several store bought ones made out of fabric.

As with all things watch children around plastic bags, this is one of the reason I keep them up in dispensers around the house.

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