Can Biodegradable Food Containers Be Recycled?

If you're a takeout titan or meal delivery maven, you'll likely have a hefty amount of food containers to dispose of on any given week. It's important to know which are recyclable and which ones aren't if you want to make sure you're doing your part for the planet.

The term 'biodegradable' is a little ambiguous since opinions vary on the timeframe in which a product can disintegrate and return to the earth. The best way to ensure that your products are eco-friendly is to look for those labeled as compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or the U.S. Composting Council.

Paper and cardboard food containers are recyclable if they're thoroughly cleaned and free of grease or other contaminates. They're also more environmentally friendly than plastic or Styrofoam containers which often take decades to break down in landfills and can leak toxins into the soil.

However, many of the newer, green-sounding, plant-based food containers on the market aren't actually compostable or even biodegradable at all. Some are simply petroleum-based like traditional plastics that take a long time to break down and can leach harmful chemicals into the environment once they're thrown away, while others are made from non-organic materials that aren't easily broken down. In these cases, it's crucial to bring your own reusable container for your meals and to encourage restaurants to offer a reusable food container system for their takeout services, like DeliverZero. If you're unsure about what to do with any old plastic or plant-based containers, try donating them to local charities, schools, child care centers, or seniors who can use them as cleaning supplies or for cooking and storage.