How to Recycle Takeout Containers
Plastic clamshells, deli tubs, foam boxes, paper takeout boxes, and aluminum trays. Material, color, coating, and food residue determine whether a local program can accept them.
Quick answer
A clean, empty plastic takeout container may be recyclable only if your local program accepts that shape and resin. Foam containers, black plastic, paper containers with plastic liners, and anything coated in food or grease are often excluded—when in doubt, keep it out of the recycling cart. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
How to Prepare
- 1Empty all food and liquids into trash or organics before sorting the container
- 2Rinse a rigid plastic tub or clamshell only when your local program lists that item as accepted
- 3Separate a clean aluminum tray from plastic lids or paper liners if your program accepts aluminum
- 4Put foam, heavily greasy containers, and mixed-material containers in trash unless a local program says otherwise
- 5Check whether black plastic and compostable containers are accepted locally; do not assume they are
Where to Recycle
- Curbside or drop-off recycling for rigid containers specifically accepted by the local program
- Municipal organics collection for approved food-soiled paper containers, where allowed
- Household trash for foam, heavily contaminated, or locally excluded containers
Special Instructions
The useful decision is not ‘plastic or not’; it is clean, empty, and accepted locally. National guidance directs households to follow their own collector’s list because equipment and contracts differ. Do not bag containers in a plastic bag before placing them in a cart.
Environmental Impact
A clean container from an accepted stream can be sorted into a recoverable material bale. Food residue, foam, film, and mismatched materials can cause the whole item to be rejected and can contaminate paper or other containers.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Clean rigid tubs and clamshells only where locally accepted
- Clean aluminum takeout trays where aluminum foil/trays are accepted
- Plain paperboard boxes only when not plastic- or wax-lined and accepted locally
Not Accepted
- Expanded-polystyrene foam containers in most curbside programs
- Containers holding food or liquid
- Plastic bags containing recyclables
- Black plastic or compostable containers unless the local program specifically accepts them
FAQs
Can I recycle a greasy takeout container?
Usually no. Empty and rinse a container only if it is accepted locally; a container with food or grease is commonly treated as contamination.
Are foam takeout boxes recyclable?
Most curbside programs do not accept them. Look for a dedicated local foam program rather than placing them in the cart.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Aluminum Foil & Trays
- How to recycle Plastic Clamshell Containers
- How to recycle Paper Cups
- How to recycle Multi-Layer Food Pouches
- How to recycle Disposable Utensils & Straws
- How to recycle Coffee Pods & Capsules
- How to recycle Chip Bags & Snack Wrappers
- How to recycle Bubble Mailers (Plastic)
- How to recycle Padded Mailers (Paper)
- How to recycle Aseptic Cartons (Tetra Pak)
Recycle takeout containers
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