Take-out Containers

Not to be dramatic, but I would probably be dead if it weren't for take-out. When I lived in New York, I had take away 4-5 times per week. As someone who had neither the willingness or experience to cook, I depended on restaurants for many of my meals. To be fair, I usually left my apartment at 7:00 AM and returned home at around 9:00 PM, but still, that's a lot of take-out. In fact, I probably ordered ordered take away over 200 times in 2019 and most of those containers went to a landfill. In addition to landfill waste, I can look back and see that that was some serious financial waste! Looking back, I could have brought sandwiches to work every day and saved thousands of dollars.

I was probably among the worst offenders when it came to collecting and trashing take-out containers, but now, I am both aware of the problems and willing to make a change. I think it's unrealistic to ask everyone to completely cut it out of there lives. It is, however, important to understand the effect take-out containers have on the environment and make a conscious effort to cut down on the amount we send to a landfill.

Why are take-out containers a problem?

As you know, the majority of take-out containers are plastic, which is made from fossil fuels and takes hundreeds, if not thousands, of years to break down. Even the paper containers are lined with plastic, making them impossible to recycle or biodegrade.

In 2015, Americans placed 2 billion delivery orders. You might have guessed that the pandemic caused a massive increase in that number, and you're correct. According to one survey, 65% of Americans were ordering more take-out last year and from March 2020 to June 2020, they ordered an average of 2.4 times every week.

Another survey from 2017 estimates that the average American adult spends $1,175 on take-out every year. Over sixty years, one person spends approximately $70,500. This isn't exactly an argument for the environment, but I'm sure we can all think of a few things we would rather spend that money on.

Are they recyclable?

Some, but not all, take-out containers are recyclable.

• One big misconception is that an item is recyclable if it has a recycling symbol on it. However, the small number you see inside the recycling symbol on plastics only classifies the type of plastic. It does not necessarily indicate recyclability and you'll have to see which numbers are accepted by your curbside recycling. Usually #1 and #2 are ok, but make sure to empty and rinse your containers so they don't contaminate other materials.
• Styrofoam containers are rarely accepted in curbside recycling, since they are so lightweight and typically hold onto food contaminates.
• Paper bowls and chinese boxes go straight to the landfill, since they are lined with plastic and the mixed materials are problematic for recycling facilities.
• Paper products like cardboard clamshells are compostable and recyclable if clean.
• Pizza boxes cannot be recycled if they are covered in grease, but you can separate the clean sections for recycling and compost the rest.
• Aluminum containers are recyclable, but must be cleaned first.

What if they are compostable?

There are lot of disposable products out there that claim to be compostable, but if you look a little closer, you'll notice wording along the lines of "compostable in industrial facilities." This means they won't break down in your backyard compost or, for that matter, in a landfill. These products should be avoided unless you have access to a commercial composting facility that accepts them.

How can I avoid take-out containers?

There are plenty of ways to avoid take-out containers, like meal planning so you're not scrambling to prepare a meal at the eleventh hour. Or, ordering a pizza so you'll get a biodegradable cardboard box instead of plastic containers. For more tips, read my post 5 Ways to Avoid Take-out.

Can I reuse take-out containers?

Yes! Plastic containers make excellent organizers for your home or office. You can save lidded cups to clean up messy drawers or sort craft supplies. And if you have any #6 plastics, why not make some Shrinkie Dink Jewelry.