7 Unique Ways to Recycle Plastic Milk Jugs

In many American communities, citizens can recycle clear plastic milk jugs. Usually, the clear jugs that are marked with a "2" and "HDPE" (stands for high-density polyethylene) are accepted. All you have to do is discard the lids, rinse out the jugs, squash them with your foot, and place them in the nearest recycling bin. Since there's not a way to recycle plastic milk jugs in our community, I was putting them out in the trash. Finally, one day, after I had put out what felt like the one billionth jug, I got an idea to recycle them on my own. So here are my ten unique uses for plastic milk jugs:

1. Homemade Piggy Banks

Rinse out a plastic milk jug and and let it dry thoroughly. Then, cut a hole- just large enough to slip coins into- in the cap. Next, decorate or paint the piggy bank however you choose. The kids can use it to save their money for their next big purchase!

2. Clothesline-Clothespin Holders

Hanging the laundry outside is a great way to save energy. What can be a hassle, though, is finding a convenient place to put the clothespins so they're close by when you need them. I remedied this problem by recycling a plastic milk jug. I cut a portion out of the side, on the other side of the handle. I made a hole that's large enough to stick my hand in. Then, I bent a stiff piece of heavy wire to make a hanger. I hung the holder on the clothesline by using the hanger. The holder slides along as I move down the clothesline. It's also easy to remove and take inside in case of inclement weather.

3. Salt Keeper/Spreader

If you live in a cold, wintry part of the country like I do, then you probably use salt on your sidewalks and driveway to keep them ice-free. Cutting a corner of the bag off and trying to spread the salt is a hassle. So, recycle plastic milk jugs for the job instead. Just cut a small part out of the top near the lid. Fill the jug with salt, then sprinkle it out through the hole as you need it.

4. Contain Used Motor Oil