9 Little Tricks to Make Trash Day Less of a Chore

Taking out the trash is a routine we’re all too well acquainted with. But believe it or not, you can actually make trash day easier—perhaps even pleasurable —with these brilliant hacks. Why didn’t we think of this sooner?

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Apr 25, 2016 05:28 PM

Line the Can with Newspaper

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Line the Trash Can with Newspaper

Moisture from food scraps and wet paper towels can drip right out of the trash bag and into the garbage can. Be proactive! Catch those messy spills by lining your garbage can—or even a fresh trash bag—with a layer of yesterday’s newspaper. The newsprint will absorb much of the liquid from your soggy rubbish and keep your trash can cleaner.


Related: 10 Unusual Tips for Your Cleanest Kitchen Ever

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Drill Holes to Prevent Suction

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Drill Holes In Your Trash Can

Sometimes the suction between the bag and your trash can makes it difficult to pull the bag out. Even worse, all that tugging can strain a weak trash bag, making it susceptible to leaks and spills. Put an end to this tug-of-war by drilling a couple of holes in the bottom of the garbage bin for easier trash bag removal and fewer garbage mishaps.


Related: 21 Timesaving Tricks That May Change the Way You Clean

prettyhandygirl.com

Keep Extra Bags at the Bottom

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Store Extra Bags at the Bottom of Trash Can

Take a tip from hotel maids, who have been using this cleaning trick for years. Keep extra trash bags in the bottom of the can, so you can simply pull a fresh bag into place after you remove the old one. 


Related: Clean Faster with 8 Secrets from the Pros

Reddit via Hayroth

Command Hooks for Drawstrings

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Secure Drawstring Trash Bags with Command Hooks

Adhesive hooks aren't just a storage solution—they're the perfect fix for slippery trash bags. Stick a few upside down on the sides of your garbage can so you can loop the trash bag drawstrings over the hooks. The hooks will keep the drawstrings securely in place and prevent the trash bag from falling into the trash can—even if the bag isn't a perfect fit for the can.


Related: 7 Clever Ways for Hooks to Streamline Your Life

Reddit via MildandFire

Binder Clips for No Slips

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Stop Slipping Trash Bags with a Binder Clip

If your trash bags don't have a drawstring, you can keep them in place by attaching a couple of binder clips along the lip of your garbage can. Secured by the clips, your bag will stay snug and secure, and will never leave a mess.


Related: 10 Ways to Make Office Supplies Work Overtime

imperfecthomemaking.com

Deodorize with Dryer Sheets

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Deodorize a Trash Can with Dryer Sheets

For a truly fresh-smelling kitchen, you should clean and dry the inside of the trash can on a regular basis. But you'll be able to put off this unpleasant task a little longer—and keep your trash can smelling fresher—with a strategically deployed dryer sheet. The next time you take out the trash, throw a dryer sheet into the bottom of each new trash bag to help counteract that familiar garbage can funk we all know so well.


Related: 7 Super Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Fresh

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Let It Roll

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Add Casters to Your Garbage Can

So, you've loaded your kitchen trash bin to the brim, and now it's too heavy for you to drag out to your curbside trash can. Here's a helpful hint: Add casters to the bottom of your kitchen garbage can so you can easily roll it outside, no matter how full it is. You’ll minimize the potential of a massive bag break and save strain on your back as well.


Related: 12 Genius Tips for Everyday Speed-Cleaning

theshabbycreekcottage.com

Recycling Center for Grocery Bags

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Store Extra Plastic Bags in a Tissue Box

If you like to recycle plastic grocery bags into tiny trash bags, keep them neatly tucked away in an old tissue box. Store your stash in the pantry or under the sink, where you can easily grab a bag as needed.


Related: 11 Cheap Cures for a Cluttered Kitchen

bobvila.com

Take It on the Road

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Repurpose a Car Trash Can

If you spend any amount of time commuting to work, chauffeuring kids, or running errands, your car probably needs a trash can. A tissue box is the perfect size, and you won't have to fuss with the top of a container while you're driving. Remember, a clean car is a happy car.


Related: 10 Cleaning Habits to Blame for Your Messy Home

Instructables via kcli

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