Sandbags Take to the RRF Take Caution When Handling Used Sandbags Sandbags in contact with floodwaters may become contaminated by sewage, animal waste, oil, lawn chemicals or other hazardous chemicals. Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling potentially contaminated materials. Used Sandbags Not Suitable for Reuse Do not place used sand in or near bodies of water, playgrounds, sandboxes or other areas of direct human contact. Do not dispose of any sand or full sandbags in your regular trash. Place the empty bags in your garbage bin. Ways to Reuse Reuse Unused Sandbags Sandbags that did not come into contact with floodwaters can be safely stored and reused. If your bags have deteriorated or started to leak, the sand can be placed into new bags or spread on landscape beds.