Tips for Recycling Takeout Containers

Recycling takeout containers isn’t always easy. How do you know what to recycle and what to put in the garbage? What if there’s a food stain in my container?

We’re giving you three tips for recycling takeout containers. Read on to learn more!

SORT YOUR PLASTIC

Not every type of takeout packaging is recyclable. Knowing what to put where can help your local recycling facility process items faster! When it comes to plastic, we’ve talked about the different kinds of plastic and what they mean in a previous post.

Especially when it comes to plastic, there are so many different kinds! The kind of plastic is usually identifiable by the number found on the bottom of your plastic items inside the recycling system. Certain types of plastic are more widely recyclable than others.

Checking and sorting your recycling might seem like a small task, but taking the extra time to ensure your waste is going to the right places helps the entire waste management system!

FUN FACT

Hard black plastic containers are widely rejected by most recycling facilities since the pigment is undetectable by automatic sorting machines.

CLEAN YOUR CONTAINERS

While most takeout and food packaging is recyclable, cleaning out any remaining food waste is the only way to ensure proper recycling! Wash and dry all food and beverage containers before recycling. Some paper takeout containers like pizza boxes may not

be washable. However, as long as the box isn’t too saucy or greasy, it can be recycled!

If your takeout and food packaging has excessive organic material on it, recycling becomes difficult, if not nearly impossible. Taking an extra step to ensure your takeout and food packaging is clean makes sure that the items you’re recycling actually get processed!

CHECK YOUR LOCAL GUIDELINES

Although sorting and cleaning your food packaging can help with the recycling process, the best way to to prepare your takeout packaging for recycling is to check what your local municipality’s guidelines are!

Although sorting and cleaning your food packaging can help with the recycling process, the best way to to prepare your takeout packaging for recycling is to check what your local municipality’s guidelines are!

CHOOSE RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

If you’re a business that uses takeout packaging, choosing a recyclable material for your takeout packaging can be helpful for your customers! Especially with the upcoming plastic ban, choosing alternate packaging materials for your takeout containers benefits not only you, but also the environment!

Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to find out how we can help you create eco-friendly takeout packaging! Our knowledgeable Business Development Consultants can let you know more about our ecofriendly takeout packaging solutions.