Take-Out Containers

Disposal

The following take-out containers are NOT recyclable and should be placed in the trash:

• Containers made of black plastic (because recycling equipment cannot sort it).
• Containers made of polystyrene (such as those made out of Styrofoam or that have a number six on the bottom).
• Containers made of coated cardboard of any color.
  • To determined if cardboard is coated, scratch the surface of the cardboard with your fingernail. If you scratch off a waxy residue, then the cardboard is coated.

Recycle

Take-out containers made out of plastic (other than polystyrene) are likely recyclable, although guidelines may vary slightly by city or hauler. Please see plastic containers for more information.

Some take-out containers are made of certified compostable material. Take-out containers with the BPI symbol are certified compostable and are accepted at the food scraps collection sites for free.