We put the ice melt crystals in one–easy to shake out onto icy areas. I buy litter in paper bags and “decant” it into the old plastic litter containers.

I use the jugs to age water for my fish aquarium. I also repackage dry foods that I purchase in bulk which fit into my pantry nicely.

I use the pails to store dry foods, taping the lid shut. I make my own laundry soap and use the pails to store the soap in. We use the pails outside for carrying liquids and storing stuff. They are very handy when we care for baby chicks.

The only down side to any of this is there is a limit to the amount of jugs/pails one can use. I freecycle the rest.

This actually is for my friend Dave who asked me what to do with them, and I am forever grateful for all neat suggestions. :) Thank you, guys.

Thanks to Ashley Sue for forwarding my question, and thanks to all for the suggestions. I was asking specifically about litter pails, but all the suggestions are great!

A friend with cats gives me her litter pails. Current uses:
- planter in back yard
- collect water as shower heats up (used to flush toilet)
- collect and haul greywater
- soak stained clothes
- mop bucket
- collect cloth wipes used for #1 (TMI?)

I’ve donated some to my CSA which uses them to collect all the veggie debris (root veggies shed their leaves all over the place) for folks to take home to their chickens.

I do not use these for food storage due to the stinky fragrance used in the kitty litter. For food, I use food grade buckets for free from bakeries. It’s a pain to clean out the leftover frosting, but they’re free.

I am a photographer using “real” cameras, i.e., film ;) and I process my own b&w film. Instead of using municipal water, I collect the distillate from dehumidifiers, as we live in a somewhat humid area.

This provides me with something close to distilled water, but nearly free. After thoroughly cleaning the plastic jug cat litter containers, I store my water in them.

I use mine for garden supplies…one holds grass seed…some have winter salt in them ready for the next freeze…and yes distilled water from the dehumidifier for the plants…compost tea…my mix of hot pepper spray…large batch of homemade cleaner…just to name a few

you could fill with white vinegar and old washcloths - instant window wipes!

you could use them for container gardening. They are perfect for limiting herbs that spread out.

This has a suggestion:
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net//projects/repurposed_cat_litter_tubs

put them at the bottom of your storm drains and collect rain water for watering plants and etc.

cut the bottom off and set it over young tomato or pepper plants to protect them from frost.