Plastic-Free Pantry: How to Refill Your Own Containers

If you’ve ever looked through your kitchen trash and noticed that it’s mostly food packaging, you’re not alone. Most household waste comes from non-recyclable packaging, especially plastics, which often end up in the landfull despite being accepted by local programs. Refilling your own containers is one of the best ways to build a plastic-free pantry, reduce food waste, save money, and keep your kitchen organized!

Bulk sections, refill shops, and farmers’ markets make refilling easier, but keep in mind that driving miles out of your way just to avoid a bit of packaging isn’t sustainable for you or the planet. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s about making the best choices with what’s available to you. Some waste is unavoidable, and that’s okay!

Refilling your own containers might seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re new to it. But don’t worry – most refill shops are welcoming and happy to help you get the hang of it! Be sure to ask the staff if you are unsure about using your own containers. Many small businesses are happy to support sustainable choices and will gladly let you know what works. Let’s walk through the process step by step so you can refill with confidence.

Prefer to listen instead? In this episode of the Sustainable in the Suburbs podcast, I’m sharing how to make refilling feel like second nature as a sustainable living practice. You’ll hear practical tips for overcoming barriers to refilling (including how to choose the right containers and understanding store policies), how small mindset shifts can lead to refill at scale, and plenty of encouragement to get started where you are. Click ‘share’ to add to your podcast player.

Why Refilling Helps You Build a Plastic-Free Pantry

Aside from reducing single-use plastic, there are many benefits to refilling your own containers. Here are some of the biggest reasons to make it a habit:

Plastic-Free Pantry Goals. Storing ingredients in uniform, airtight jars makes them easy to find, so you’ll spend less time digging through messy bags and boxes. A plastic-free pantry reduces waste and keeps everything organized and visually appealing. With everything visible and labeled, meal planning becomes easier, and you’ll always know exactly what you have on hand.

Prevent Food Waste. Refilling lets you buy only what you need, so food is less likely to go stale or unused. Storing pantry staples in glass jars keeps them fresh longer and makes it easy to see what you have, helping you stay organized and avoid overbuying.

Shift Your Mindset. Refilling encourages you to look at our culture of convenience through a different lens. Refilling encourages you to look at our culture of convenience through a different lens. It’s a great starting point for embracing reusing, repurposing, and rethinking everyday habits. And don’t forget – people are watching you! By sharing your sustainable living choices with friends and family, you can inspire them to make eco-friendly changes too.

Save Money. Buying in bulk is often more affordable than purchasing individually pre-packaged items. Refilling also lets you buy only what you need, from a full jar of oats to a teaspoon of a new spice. This means less waste, fewer impulse buys, and no more paying for extra packaging or food you won’t use.

Try New Things. Curious about a new spice, snack, or shampoo? Bring a small jar and buy just a little instead of committing to a full package, especially for pricier items like pine nuts or matcha.

Best Containers for Refilling: What Works and What to Avoid

Be sure to choose refill shop-approved containers that safely store various products. Not all containers are created equal, so knowing what works best helps ensure your refills stay fresh, safe, and spill-free.

Here’s a general breakdown of the best containers for refilling and what to use them for:

Glass Jars & Bottles. The cornerstone of your plastic-free pantry, glass is durable, easy to sanitize, and doesn’t leach chemicals into your food products. Glass is perfect for refilling things like grains, sugar, peanut butter, oils, vinegars, and personal care products.

Plastic Bottles. Glass isn’t ideal for the shower, so save your current bottles for refilling! Squeezable bottles (like repurposed ketchup bottles) also work well for dish soap, hand soap, and laundry detergent.

Plastic Containers. Hard plastic tubs, like those from protein powder or yogurt, are a great alternative to glass for refilling. They’re lightweight, easy to transport, and less likely to break. Just be sure to choose food-safe, BPA-free plastic.

Stainless Steel.  Metal is sturdy, reusable, and provides an airtight seal, making it ideal for storing herbs, teas, and other dry goods that need to stay fresh. We like to bring our stainless steel snack containers along on day trips to fill up on snacks at the local bulk store!

Fabric Bags. Get double duty out of your reusable produce bags at the bulk store! Ideal for dry pantry staples like snacks, grains, pasta, beans, pasta, and rice. Bags should be washable and food-safe.

Silicone Food Bags. Reusable silicone bags are a great lightweight option for refilling dry goods like pasta, nuts, and snacks. They’re durable, food-safe, and seal tightly to prevent spills. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and freezer-safe for storage.

Generally, all containers must be designed for food. Avoid containers with cracks, rusted lids, or visible residue. And remember – whatever you bring should close securely to prevent spills! Not that that’s ever happened to me…

How to Refill Your Own Containers

Refilling your own containers for the first time can feel a little intimidating, but don’t worry – store staff are happy to help! The process is simpler than you might think, and once you’ve done it a couple of times, it will feel like second nature.

Here’s how to refill your containers step by step:

1. Clean and Dry Your Containers – Make sure your containers are empty, clean, and dry, with no visible food residue, cracks, or rust. Check out this video for tips on how to refill when you already have some in a container at home.
2. Get the Tare Weight – Make sure your empty containers (including the lid) are weighed before your start refilling. This tare weight is subtracted at checkout, so you only pay for what’s inside. The shop will weigh your container and note the weight with a washable marker.
3. Refill (Not Landfill) – Once your containers are prepped, it’s time to refill! The best part about refilling is that you control how much you buy—scoop or pour exactly what you need. Whether you’re stocking up on lentils or just trying a teaspoon of a new spice, refilling lets you shop smarter, avoid food waste, and keep your pantry organized.
4. Pay and Put Away – When you’re ready to pay, the cashier will subtract the tare weight of your containers, and you’re all set—some stores even offer discounts for bringing your own. At home, transfer your refills into airtight containers to keep your plastic-free pantry neat and organized. I like using repurposed 1L pickle jars for a uniform look. Storing everything in clear jars makes it easy to see what you have, prevents food waste, and gives your pantry that effortless Pinterest-worthy makeover.

Refilling is an easy, effective way to cut down on waste, save money, and make more mindful shopping choices. Getting into the habit is the hardest part, but once you do, you’ll wonder why this isn’t the norm everywhere! Plus, the benefits extend far beyond your wallet – your plastic-free pantry will be more organized, your meals will be more sustainable, and you’ll feel good about reducing your environmental footprint.

Wondering what it’s like on the other side of the counter? In this episode of the Sustainable in the Suburbs podcast, I chatted with Julie Darrell, the founder and owner of Bring Your Own Long Beach, about what really happens inside a refill shop — from the first-time nerves to the “aha” moment when you realize how easy and empowering refilling can be. 

Have you tried refilling in your own containers? Do you any have questions about getting started? Let me know in the comments!