Have an old garden hose that’s no longer functional? Whether it’s torn, punctured, or you’re simply upgrading, don’t throw it away. Instead, reuse your old hose in the kitchen to secure trash bags to your trash can. To do this, cut the hose into small pieces to use as trash bag clips. You’ll need a garden hose made from soft, flexible material like PVC or rubber, as metal hoses won’t work for this hack. Also, grab a hose cutter like the Gates Hand Held Hose Cutter, or use a utility knife if you have one.
Even if you toss a heavy item into the trash can, these makeshift clips will prevent the bag from slipping down. This is a much better option than disposing of the hose and contributing to landfill waste. Recycling the hose also isn’t ideal, as its structure can tangle during processing and damage equipment, posing a hazard to workers. Repurpose your hose to make trash bag clips and explore other ways to reuse any leftover pieces around your home.
How to turn an old hose into DIY trash bag clips
This garden hose hack is incredibly simple. Just use a hose cutter to slice the hose into pieces about 1-inch long. Cut as many as you need. Once you have your pieces, slice open the bottom of each one. Then, place a bag into your trash can and slide a few of the 1-inch hose pieces around the edge of the can to keep the bag secure. Consider making clips for every trash can in your home as an easy way to keep your garden hose out of landfills.
If the appearance of the garden hose clips bothers you, paint them to match your trash can or bags, making them less noticeable. This is especially useful for garbage bins that are uncovered. To do this, place the hose pieces on a large piece of cardboard outdoors and spray them with paint in your chosen color. Use them once they’ve dried completely. By blending the clips in with your kitchen decor, you can maintain the cohesive look of your space.
