Top 13+ Things You Should Never Store in Plastic Bins (But Most Homes Still Do)

Photographs and Important Documents

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Plastic bins might seem safe for stashing away old photo albums and vital papers, but research from the Library of Congress shows that plastic can trap humidity and promote mold growth, leading to irreversible damage. Over time, plastic containers can emit chemicals like phthalates, which can cause photos and paper to yellow or stick together.

In 2024, preservation experts still recommend acid-free boxes and folders, which help control moisture and prevent chemical reactions. According to a 2023 archival storage study, over 60% of surveyed households stored keepsakes in plastic bins, unaware of the risks.

If you want those cherished memories to last, keep them out of plastic and in a climate-controlled space.

Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Storing wool, cotton, or linen clothes in plastic bins can be a recipe for disaster. A 2024 study published by the American Institute for Conservation found that plastic bins not only trap moisture but also restrict airflow, creating a breeding ground for moths and mildew.

Natural fibers need to breathe, and without ventilation, delicate sweaters and dresses can develop musty odors or even rot. Over 70% of participants in a 2023 survey admitted to finding clothes with yellow stains after storage in plastic.

Use breathable cotton garment bags or acid-free boxes to keep your wardrobe fresh and safe.

Leather Goods and Shoes

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Leather is particularly sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, and plastic bins offer little protection. The Leather Research Laboratory reported in late 2023 that storing leather shoes and bags in plastic can cause them to dry out, crack, or develop mold spots.

This happens because plastic containers trap moisture, which leather readily absorbs and holds. In a recent poll, nearly half of respondents noticed unpleasant odors or white patches on leather goods kept in plastic.

Experts recommend storing leather items in fabric dust bags and keeping them in ventilated areas to maintain their condition.

Electronics and Batteries

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Electronics stored in plastic bins are at increased risk of static buildup and overheating, especially in warm environments. According to a 2024 Consumer Technology Association warning, the lack of airflow in sealed bins can raise internal temperatures, potentially shortening device lifespan and damaging sensitive components.

Batteries are especially vulnerable; storing them in plastic bins can accelerate corrosion, and chemical leaks may react with certain plastics. For safety, keep electronics in their original packaging or antistatic bags, and store batteries separately in cool, dry spaces.

Candles and Wax Products

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Candles and other wax-based items don’t fare well in plastic bins, particularly in attics or garages where temperatures fluctuate. A 2023 National Candle Association report highlighted that plastic bins can trap heat, causing wax to soften, warp, or even melt, leaving a sticky mess.

This can also release scents or dyes, staining the bin and other items. Store candles in cool, dark places, wrapped in paper or cloth, to preserve their shape and fragrance.

More than 55% of respondents in a 2024 household habits survey said they had experienced candle deformation after storing them in plastic.

Old Newspapers and Magazines

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Plastic bins create microenvironments that accelerate the degradation of newsprint, according to the Northeast Document Conservation Center’s 2024 guide. Newsprint is highly acidic and, when trapped with moisture in plastic, can yellow and crumble rapidly.

Studies show that even short-term storage in plastic bins can cause ink to transfer or pages to stick together. Experts recommend storing newspapers and magazines flat, in acid-free folders or boxes, in a dry, cool area.

The temptation to toss old magazines in plastic bins is strong, but it’s a fast track to losing your collection.

Food Items and Pantry Staples

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Plastic bins might seem like a convenient solution for pantry organization, but the FDA’s 2023 update on food storage warns that many household plastics are not food-safe and can leach harmful chemicals into dry goods. Certain staples like flour, rice, and sugar can also absorb odors or flavors from the plastic, altering their taste.

Bugs and rodents have also been known to chew through thin bins. Food scientists recommend using glass jars, metal canisters, or BPA-free, food-grade plastic containers for pantry storage instead.

Paints and Solvents

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Storing paints, thinners, and other solvents in plastic bins is not only risky for the items but also a fire hazard. According to a 2024 National Fire Protection Association bulletin, volatile chemicals can react with some plastics, causing bins to warp, crack, or even melt.

Fumes can build up inside sealed containers, creating dangerous pressure or leaks. Always keep paints and solvents in their original containers, in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled area, and away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Music lovers might be shocked to learn that plastic bins are one of the worst places to store their vintage vinyls and tapes. The Association for Recorded Sound Collections reported in 2023 that the lack of airflow and fluctuating temperatures in plastic bins can warp records and degrade magnetic tape.

Chemicals released from some plastics can also interact with vinyl, causing discoloration or a sticky residue. For long-term preservation, keep records and tapes upright in climate-controlled rooms, using archival-quality sleeves and boxes.

Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Those adorable fabric ornaments, paper wreaths, and garlands are surprisingly vulnerable in plastic storage. The American Institute for Conservation found in 2024 that plastic bins can trap enough humidity to foster mold growth on porous decorations.

In addition, dyes in fabric and paper can migrate or bleed when stored airtight. Households storing holiday decor in attics or basements saw a 40% increase in moldy or faded items compared to those using breathable containers.

Acid-free boxes or fabric storage bags are a safer bet for sentimental decorations.

Seeds and Gardening Supplies

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Gardeners often toss seed packets and small tools into plastic bins, but this can wreak havoc on their viability. The International Seed Testing Association emphasized in 2023 that seeds stored without airflow can build up moisture, leading to rot or premature sprouting.

Tools can also rust if condensation forms inside the bin. To keep seeds viable and tools in top condition, store them in paper envelopes or metal tins, and keep them in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight.

Medications and Vitamins

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Plastic bins are not suitable for storing medicines and supplements, as detailed in a 2024 FDA advisory. Temperature swings and humidity inside plastic containers can cause pills to break down or lose potency.

Certain medications can even react with plastic, absorbing chemicals or odors, putting your health at risk. The CDC has reported several cases of medication recalls due to improper storage.

Always keep medicines in their original containers, in a dry, cool cabinet, and out of reach of children.

Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Photographs and Important Documents, Seasonal Clothing Made from Natural Fibers, Leather Goods and Shoes, Electronics and Batteries, Candles and Wax Products, Old Newspapers and Magazines, Food Items and Pantry Staples, Paints and Solvents, Vinyl Records and Cassette Tapes, Holiday Decorations with Fabric or Paper Components, Seeds and Gardening Supplies, Medications and Vitamins, Heirlooms and Sentimental Jewelry

Family treasures like old jewelry, medals, or keepsakes can suffer hidden damage in plastic bins. A 2023 report from the Gemological Institute of America revealed that metals and gemstones can tarnish or corrode when exposed to off-gassing from plastics.

Humidity trapped inside the bin can also cause fabric-lined boxes to mildew. For long-term safety, store heirlooms in felt-lined cases, in drawers or cabinets with silica gel packs to control moisture.

Even a simple velvet pouch offers better protection than a sealed bin.

Post Related