These 7 Takeout Containers Don't Belong in the Recycling Bin

CNET

11-05-2025

Recycling can be simple, but it's also very easy to make mistakes while you're at it. One common mistake that people make when recycling is tossing takeout containers into the recycling bin. While this might seem like the right thing to do, it's often not where these containers belong. One important thing to remember about food packaging is that a lot of it is actually designed to be disposable instead of recyclable. This means that putting these containers in the recycling bin will do more harm than good.
It's not just that you're putting the wrong materials into the recycling bin, either. The residue left by that greasy pad thai box or half-empty soup container can ruin entire batches of recyclables. It easy to overlook that fact, but even something simple like a pizza box can cause issues if it's soaked with oil.
In a recent Reddit thread, users showed concern about putting these containers in the recycling bin and whether you should be rinsing food packaging. Many folks were concerned about whether to rinse containers before recycling or trashing them and how food residue left in these containers could affect the odor of your recycling and how effective your recycling is. If you're confused about the which takeout containers you actually can recycle, we're here to help.
Recycling isn't just about tossing your junk in a different colored bin and calling it a day. You need to be sure that those efforts count and lead to a better environment. That means knowing which takeout items to keep out of the blue bin. Here's what to skip if you want your recycling routine to actually make an impact.
Read more: Microwave-Free Zone: Expert Cooking Hacks for Leftovers
If you're wondering whether black containers, aluminum rounds, paper clamshells and Chinese food boxes are recyclable, you're not alone.
To get the hard truth on takeout container recycling rules and limitations, I spoke with Jeremy Walters. A passionate environmentalist, Walters is the sustainability ambassador for the second-largest recycling collector in the US, Republic Services. He shared some important tips to remember and common mistakes to avoid when recycling takeout boxes and containers at home.
Here's what you need to know to get the most mileage out of your blue bin.
How to properly recycle takeout containers
Styrofoam containers are a scorch on the environment. If you feel comfortable asking your local takeout spot to stop using them, you probably should.
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1. Do some recycling research: The most important thing you can do to streamline the process is to find out which containers can and can't be recycled in your specific area. This will likely vary depending on where you live, so you'll need to check with your local sanitation department, often via its website.
2. Don't assume it can be recycled: Just because a takeout container has a recycling symbol on it doesn't mean it can be recycled where you live. Some cheaper producers of takeout containers will label something recyclable even if it's not.
3. Give 'em a good rinse: When recycling any takeout containers, make sure they're as clean as possible. Residual food waste, especially grease, can cause a material to become unrecyclable.
What follows are general rules and guidelines on which takeout containers can and can't be recycled and how best to recycle them.
Read more: Some Blue Apron Meal Kits Are Cheaper Than Buying the Groceries
Most black plastic containers are nonrecyclable.
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These takeout containers can't be recycled
Polystyrene foam containers: These foam containers, often referred to as "Styrofoam," are widely used for takeout and delivery, so it's likely you've seen them. Unfortunately, they aren't recyclable and must be thrown out. Black plastic containers: These are another popular choice for restaurants, and while they are often made from recycled materials -- making them at least somewhat eco-friendly -- they can't be recycled and must be tossed. According to Walters, recycling plant sorting technology just hasn't caught up to these materials yet. Chinese containers and clamshells: This is another type of container that in theory could be recycled, but because oil often seeps into the cardboard, you're better off throwing them away. Also, many are coated with a sealant that makes them leak-proof and difficult to recycle. Oil-stained pizza boxes: In theory, corrugated cardboard can be recycled, but not when it's soaked in oil or caked with cheese. Happy medium: Take the top portion of the box if it's free from oil and recycle that with your cardboard. The bottom half will likely need to be trashed. Plastic bags: Your food is often delivered in plastic bags, but they aren't recyclable and can cause serious harm to your local recycling facilities. To dispose of plastic bags, return them to the store where you got them or reuse them. Better yet, don't use them at all and request a paper bag instead. Plastic utensils: Not everything made from plastic is recyclable, and recycling plastic utensils is usually dependent on your local facility, so check with your service provider. Even better, when you place your order let the restaurant know you don't need any plastic silverware. Soiled paper plates and napkins: These are not recyclable when soiled with food and liquid, so look for reusable, biodegradable or true disposable products instead.
Chinese takeout containers mostly can't be recycled.
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Some cities -- Austin, Texas for example -- have curbside composting for food-coated paper products. A program like this may not be available in your community, but it doesn't hurt to check. And Block Bins, a shared-bin composting startup that launched in Chicago, provides a similar service even if your town or city doesn't.
Takeout containers that can be recycled
Aluminum containers are recyclable and easy to get clean.
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Plastic clamshell containers: Clear plastic takeout containers with a recycling symbol can be recycled. If it's a plastic container labeled No. 1 or No. 2, you can recycle it and should whenever possible.
Aluminum containers: You know the ones you can never close as tightly as the restaurant did the first time no matter how much you pinch? Yeah, those are recyclable as long as they're clean.
Paper or cardboard containers: These are often made from recycled materials and can be recycled themselves. Some are even biodegradable and compostable as long as they are thoroughly cleaned and haven't soaked up much grease. Even ones that aren't recyclable are far less toxic than plastic or Styrofoam when being processed, burned or buried.
Paper bags: Many restaurants send their orders in large paper bags and those absolutely can and should be recycled or reused. Plastic bags, on the other hand, can't be.
Clean paper products: Any paper plates, napkins or cardboard pizza boxes that are not heavily soiled with grease can generally be recycled.
What else can you do to help?
Your favorite local food joint may not even know about some of the more eco-friendly container options.
Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty
If you feel comfortable gently letting your local restaurant know you'd appreciate them using one of the many environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic and polystyrene, you should. You could also send a polite, anonymous email saying how much you love the food and service, but that you have one small request on behalf of the Earth.
For more green stuff, check out our list of the most environmentally friendly meal kits and find out how to properly recycle metal cans.Yes, pizza boxes can be recycled...but only the parts without grease.