when the plastic laundry basket breaks...

I know, I know, I should grow reeds and learn basket weaving. Or meet someone who would like to weave me baskets and trade something I produce for them.

I'm trying to replace the plastic things in my life with compostable things when possible. These plastic laundry baskets are getting elderly and laundry arrives freshly dirtied every day with all these kids. What do y'all use?
I use a lot of baskets but haven't found a good sturdy lightweight laundry sort of basket.

I just can't stand paying money for plastic junk.

How about one of those old fashioned wash tubs?
They last forever, and have a million other uses as well.

Looks kind of heavy, I need to carry it upstairs and out to the clothesline full of wet clothes.

I can think of a bunch of other things I could do with that tub though! Like right now put gallons of chestnuts in there to let the weevil larvae hatch out and stay contained...

Wicker?

We use laundry bags, usually made of cloth. Or you can redefine the notion of "dirty"

Wicker would be my first choice. Lightweight and compostable! It is hard to find one that's big enough and sturdy enough. I'm sure it's out there.

Laundry bags are an option, are these sold as laundry bags? I'd prefer to order something like a cloth bag over the internet even though wicker seems best because overpackaging is a pet peeve of mine and I'm imagining a really massive box for a laundry-sized basket.

We get our laundry pretty dirty here! Jeans age well, but the baby's cloth diapers are another story...

My wife started using a canvas log tote and finaly made a dedicated nylon pack cloth laundry basket. Doesn't take up any room when not in use. Incorporated some ribs into it to hold its shapes yet still be flexible.

We use metal baskets like these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/ClosetMaid-21-in-x-7-in-x-17-in-Ventilated-Wire-Drawer-6209/100012017#.UmmCCtKkq3w

Some were new on sale, most were garage sales--old freezer baskets, gym locker baskets, milk crates, etc.

Oooh, you've answered my question! I will get a log tote or two since I need one anyway and I will keep my eyes peeled for lightweight wire baskets. I had been thinking that metal would be too heavy of a material but that looks ok. Yard sales are our favorite way to shop.

If anyone else has a great system, though, I'm still open to suggestion. This plastic junk-ectomy is a long process.

This looks pretty cool, minus the wheels to avoid the plastics: http://www.homedit.com/chic-and-easy-diy-laundry-hamper/

I like this idea too. Takes up little space when empty: http://www.tipjunkie.com/party-ideas/baby-shower/diy-laundry-hamper-tutorial/

'bout the purdiest rubbish bin I've ever seen! http://www.tipjunkie.com/party-ideas/bridal-shower/trash-can-laundry-basket-diy/

Thanks for being curious about this. I think I will makes some of the same moves..

That foldy hamper looks really good. I knew there were many good solutions out there. I was painting myself into a corner.