Trash Bag Costume
The ultimate budget-friendly, last-minute DIY Halloween costume classic.
The trash bag costume is the ultimate tongue-in-cheek, last-minute Halloween look for anyone on a tight budget. Perfect for parties, eco-themed events, or a quick laugh, this costume turns a household staple into a funny statement. The look consists of a modified large black utility bag, stuffed to look full, paired with real clean garbage accessories.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $5–15
Try it on
See yourself as Trash Bag
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Trash Bag costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Trash Bag costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Heavy-duty black contractor bag
A large, thick 42-gallon to 55-gallon black plastic trash bag that is durable enough not to rip easily.
DIY: Use any large black household garbage bag you have on hand.
Clean recyclables and crumpled paper
Empty, clean plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and crumpled newspaper to stuff inside the bag for volume.
DIY: Gather clean, dry items from your household recycling bin.
Black duct tape
Heavy-duty black tape to reinforce armholes, leg holes, and secure accessories.
DIY: Use packing tape or any strong dark tape you have.
Yellow drawstring or rope
A bright yellow plastic drawstring or rope to tie around the neck or waist to mimic a classic trash bag tie.
DIY: Cut a strip of yellow plastic from a branded drawstring trash bag.
Trash can lid hat
A small, lightweight silver plastic lid or a grey paper plate decorated to look like a metal trash can lid.
DIY: Paint a paper plate silver and attach it to a headband.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Trash Bag costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Take a large, heavy-duty black contractor bag and lay it flat on a clean surface.
- 2
Carefully cut a hole in the sealed bottom of the bag large enough for your head to comfortably fit through.
- 3
Cut two matching armholes on the upper sides of the bag, reinforcing the cut edges with black duct tape to prevent tearing.
- 4
Step into the bag and pull it up over your torso, gently guiding your head and arms through the cutouts.
- 5
Lightly stuff the interior space around your torso with crumpled newspaper or clean plastic bottles to give the bag a full, bulky shape.
- 6
Tie a yellow drawstring loosely around your waist or neck to secure the bag and mimic a drawstring closure.
- 7
Secure the silver paper plate hat to your head using a headband or bobby pins to complete the garbage bin aesthetic.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair messy with a few clean, crumpled pieces of paper or a clean plastic bottle cap tucked into a messy bun. Makeup can include light gray or black face paint smudges on the cheeks to look like soot or dirt.
Trash Bag for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person goes as a trash bag, and the other goes as a recycling bin or a raccoon.
- group
- A 'landfill' crew where everyone wears trash bags decorated with different types of clean waste (e.g., paper, plastic, e-waste).
- kids
- Use a smaller kitchen-sized white drawstring trash bag with armholes cut out, stuffed with colorful balloons to look like a bag of jelly beans.
- Plus size
- Use a 55-gallon or larger commercial contractor bag, which offers a very roomy, comfortable fit.
- pet
- A small black bag-like cape for a dog, decorated with a lightweight clean plastic bottle cap.
Tips
- Always wear comfortable, breathable clothes like a black T-shirt and leggings underneath, as plastic traps body heat quickly.
- Ensure the neck and armholes are cut wide enough to prevent any restriction of movement or breathing.
- Avoid using real smelly or dirty garbage; stick to clean, dry recyclables and paper for stuffing.
- Keep away from open flames, heaters, or candles, as plastic bags are highly flammable.
Trash Bag costume FAQ
- How do you make a trash bag costume comfortable?
- Wear moisture-wicking clothes underneath like cotton tees and leggings, and cut large ventilation holes or keep the bottom of the bag completely open.
- What can I use to stuff the trash bag costume?
- Use lightweight, clean items like crumpled newspaper, packing peanuts, inflated balloons, or clean empty plastic bottles.
- Is a trash bag costume safe to wear?
- Yes, as long as you cut large openings for your head and arms, never cover your face, and keep the costume away from open flames.
Did you know? The humble trash bag costume is a staple of school 'Trashion' shows, where students design wearable fashion entirely out of recycled materials and waste.