Plastic Food Storage Containers
What Should I Do With It?
Plastic food storage containers are standard kitchen staples, but they require careful handling to safeguard both your health and the recycling stream. While rigid containers made from plastics #2, #4, and #5 are generally accepted in curbside recycling once completely empty and scraped clean, they should never be exposed to high temperatures. Reheating plastic in the microwave or running it through a dishwasher causes the polymer to break down, which can leach toxic chemical additives directly into your meals. Hand-washing these items with lukewarm water is recommended, though switching to glass or ceramic containers remains the most sustainable and microwave-safe choice for long-term food storage.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.