How to Recycle Paper Bags

Craft Projects

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Design a decorative gift bag from recycled paper bags.series object on white: paper bag image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

Make decorative gift bags out of recycled paper bags. Glue glossy magazine images or colorful cartoons from the Sunday newspaper to the outside of the bags. If the bag does not have a handle, make one with ribbon, lace or braided yarn.
2). Make paper luminaries to line the driveway or to set in a window. Gather simple cut-out designs with party or holiday themes, or draw your own. Cut the design out of one side of the paper bag using scissors. Place an electric nightlight or flameless candle inside the bag for windowsill placement, or put the bags over driveway lights. Do not use candles as that could start a fire.
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Paper masks are popular with kids.indigenous masks. chichicastenango. image by Grigory Kubatyan from Fotolia.com

Create masks with paint, markers or crayons. Kids love them. Glue on plastic beads, fake jewels, ribbon or yarn, felt, plastic eyeballs or other craft supplies. Cut holes for the eyes if the masks are to be worn, or simply hang the masks on the wall for decoration.

1). Make a yard sign for your garage sale or lemonade stand. Slit open two paper bags. Cut away the excess paper until you have two large squares. Glue the squares onto a piece of cardboard the same size or slightly smaller than the paper squares. Write your message on bag squares with thick permanent marker (e.g. "Yummy Lemonade Sold Here"). Tape the sign to a wire sign frame.
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Recycle paper bags by using them as trash bags.Empty brown paperbag isolated on white image by sumos from Fotolia.com

Reuse paper bags as trash bags for recycled newspapers or other paper items.
3). Recycle paper bags by reusing them when you go shopping. Some stores give a discount or credit to consumers who bring their own bags. While canvas bags are popular because they are sturdier and last longer, paper bags can be reused several times, as well.
4). Recycle paper bags by using them to store dry, lightweight items. They line up neatly in a closet or shed, especially when the bags are all the same size.

You can also store paper bags in a recycled paper bag!