Stop throwing out old plastic milk jugs. Here’s 10 brilliant hacks to use them around the house

Plastic milk jugs are a common household item that often end up in the recycling bin or, worse, in the trash. However, these versatile containers have a myriad of uses that can help you save money, reduce waste, and get creative around the house. With a little imagination and some basic tools, you can transform these jugs into useful household items. Not only does repurposing milk jugs help the environment by reducing plastic waste, but it also provides practical solutions for everyday problems. Here are ten brilliant hacks to make the most out of your old plastic milk jugs.

Transform your old milk jug into a functional watering can by simply poking small holes in the cap. Fill the jug with water, screw the cap back on, and you have a homemade watering can perfect for your garden or indoor plants. The handle of the jug makes it easy to carry and pour, and the small holes ensure a gentle shower of water, ideal for delicate plants.

Invite feathered friends to your garden by turning a milk jug into a bird feeder. Cut a large opening on one side of the jug, leaving a small lip at the bottom to hold birdseed. Poke a hole through the top of the jug and thread a string or wire through it for hanging. Fill the jug with birdseed and hang it from a tree branch or hook. This simple feeder provides a safe and convenient place for birds to eat.

Use milk jugs to create storage bins for small items in your garage or workshop. Cut off the top of the jug, leaving the handle intact, and use the bottom portion as a bin. These bins are perfect for storing nails, screws, and other small hardware. Label each jug with a permanent marker for easy identification. The handle makes it easy to pull the bins off shelves or out of cabinets.

A milk jug can be easily transformed into a scoop for pet food, birdseed, or garden soil. Cut the jug diagonally from the bottom corner to just below the handle, creating a scoop shape. The handle provides a comfortable grip, and the wide opening allows for easy scooping. This hack is especially useful for large bags of pet food or soil that can be difficult to manage.

Protect your young plants from frost and pests by creating a mini greenhouse from a milk jug. Cut the bottom off the jug and place it over seedlings in your garden. The clear plastic allows sunlight to reach the plants while providing a barrier against cold temperatures and insects. Remove the cap during the day to allow for ventilation and replace it at night for added warmth.

Fill a milk jug with water, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze it to create a large ice pack. This can be used in coolers to keep food and drinks cold during picnics or camping trips. The jug's shape makes it easy to fit in a cooler, and as the ice melts, you have a supply of cold water. It's a reusable and cost-effective alternative to store-bought ice packs.

Create unique planters for your garden or home by cutting the top off a milk jug and decorating the outside with paint or markers. Drill a few holes in the bottom for drainage and fill the jug with potting soil. These planters are perfect for herbs, flowers, or small vegetables. The lightweight design makes them easy to move, and the handle can be used to hang them if desired.

Cut the top off a milk jug to create a funnel for transferring liquids or dry goods. The wide opening at the bottom makes it easy to pour into containers with small openings. This is particularly useful in the kitchen for transferring ingredients like flour or sugar, or in the garage for adding oil to your car. The handle provides stability while pouring.

Make a simple lantern by filling a milk jug with water and placing a flashlight or headlamp against it. The water diffuses the light, creating a soft glow that can illuminate a room or outdoor area. This is a great hack for camping trips or power outages, providing a safe and effective light source. The jug's handle makes it easy to carry or hang.

Encourage creativity by using milk jugs to organize art supplies for kids. Cut the tops off several jugs and use them to store crayons, markers, paintbrushes, and other craft materials. Label each jug for easy identification. The jugs can be arranged on a shelf or table, providing a neat and accessible craft station that encourages kids to explore their artistic side.

By repurposing plastic milk jugs, you can reduce waste and discover new uses for an everyday item. These hacks not only help the environment but also provide practical solutions for household needs. From gardening to organization, the possibilities are endless. So next time you finish a jug of milk, think twice before throwing it away. With a little creativity, you can transform it into something useful and sustainable.