Maya Ellison
Plastic food containers are sometimes recyclable, but it depends on the type of plastic and your local program. Tupperware, for example, is technically recyclable, but it's not always accepted at recycling centres. To recycle plastic Tupperware, you can check the plastic resin code on the product and then see if your local program accepts that type of plastic. Alternatively, you can use a recycling program like TerraCycle, which offers free recycling for hard-to-recycle waste. Simply register on their website, collect a certain number of containers, package and ship them to be recycled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tupperware's recyclability | The company's BPA-free plastic containers are recyclable, and many are labeled with recycling codes to help recycling centers sort them |
| Identifying recyclable Tupperware | Turn over the container and check for the universal plastic resin symbol, i.e., a triangle made of three chasing arrows with a number inside |
| Accepted plastics | Numbers 1 and 2 symbols are accepted in almost all local recycling programs |
| Not widely accepted plastics | Number 5 rigid plastics are not widely accepted at U.S. recycling centers |
| Alternative recycling programs | TerraCycle's Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program, Gimme 5 by Preserve, and Earth 911 database |
| Preparing containers for recycling | Containers should be empty, but they do not need to be cleaned before sending them; if washed, ensure they are dry |
| Other options | Reuse Tupperware around the house creatively or take advantage of Tupperware's lifetime warranty to replace containers for free |
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What You'll Learn
Check the plastic resin code
When it comes to recycling plastic Tupperware, it's important to know what type of plastic it is. This is where plastic resin codes come in. These codes are usually found on the bottom of plastic containers and are indicated by a triangle made of three chasing arrows, known as the universal plastic resin symbol. The number inside the triangle represents the type of plastic the product is made of. For example, all the plastic food containers in a kitchen cabinet may have a number 5 plastic resin code.
Different types of plastics are accepted by different recycling centres, so it's important to check which type of plastic your Tupperware is made of. Number 1 and number 2 plastics are accepted by almost all local recycling programs. However, number 5 plastics, for example, are not as widely accepted at recycling centres in the US. Therefore, it is essential to check the plastic resin code on your Tupperware and confirm with your local recycling program to ensure they can process that specific type of plastic.
If your local recycling program does not accept certain plastic resin codes, there are alternative options. For instance, the mail-in recycling program Gimme 5 accepts number 5 plastics. Additionally, the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program in partnership with TerraCycle accepts all brands of food storage containers for recycling. This program is free to use and requires users to register on the TerraCycle website, collect a minimum of 20 containers, package and ship them for recycling.
It is worth noting that while some Tupperware may be labelled as BPA-free and recyclable, the specific type of plastic resin code will determine whether it can be recycled at your local recycling centre or if alternative recycling options need to be explored. Remember to always check the plastic resin code on your Tupperware before disposing of it to ensure proper recycling practices.
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Local recycling programs
Plastic Tupperware can be recycled through local recycling programs, but it is important to check with your local recycling center or municipal authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Most Tupperware is made from polypropylene (#5 plastic), which is recyclable but has a low recycling rate and is not widely accepted at US recycling centers.
To find local recycling programs that accept Tupperware, you can use online recycling locators like RecycleNation and Earth911 (US) or RecycleNow (UK). These websites allow you to search for recycling programs based on your location and the type of material you want to recycle. You can also check if your local Walmart has a community recycling hub that accepts Tupperware.
Another option is to participate in the Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program in partnership with TerraCycle. This program accepts all brands of food storage containers, not just Rubbermaid. To recycle through this program, you need to register on the TerraCycle website, collect at least seven pounds or 20 containers, package and ship them to TerraCycle using a prepaid shipping label. Before shipping, ensure the containers are empty, and either clean or dry.
If your Tupperware is still in usable condition, you can also consider donating it to local community centers, homeless shelters, schools, churches, or animal rescue groups.
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TerraCycle's free recycling programs
Tupperware has partnered with TerraCycle's circular reuse platform Loop to reduce waste through a circular recycling system. This partnership, which began in 2021, allows consumers to purchase products from leading consumer brands and retailers packaged in durable, reusable Tupperware products.
TerraCycle is a waste management company with a mission to "Eliminate the Idea of Waste". It operates in 20 countries and partners with various organisations to recycle hard-to-recycle waste. Its free recycling programs allow people to recycle hard-to-recycle trash, like beauty empties and snack packaging, from popular brands.
To recycle plastic Tupperware through TerraCycle, you can use their Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program. First, register on the TerraCycle website and print a prepaid shipping label. Then, package and ship your plastic or glass food containers to TerraCycle for recycling. They accept all brands of food storage containers, not just Rubbermaid.
It is important to always check the plastic resin code on your food storage containers before tossing them in the recycling bin. Containers with a number 1 or 2 symbol on the bottom are accepted in almost all local recycling programs. If your city doesn’t offer curbside recycling, you can use the Earth 911 database to check for the closest recycling centre in your area to drop off your items.
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Tupperware's lifetime warranty
Tupperware is a well-known brand of plastic food containers. The company's products are marketed as being of high quality and are often touted as having a "lifetime warranty". This warranty covers defects in material or workmanship for the lifetime of the product when used under normal, non-commercial use. It is important to note that the term "lifetime warranty" may refer to the lifetime of the product rather than the original purchaser.
Tupperware's warranty policy states that they will replace the affected product with a similar product or provide a credit towards future purchases of Tupperware brand products if the product fails to meet the warranty. However, there are some exclusions to the warranty, and the company may require photographic or video evidence of the defect. Additionally, customers may be responsible for shipping and handling charges and applicable taxes related to warranty replacement items.
Initiating a warranty claim can be done through an independent Tupperware consultant or by filling out a Warranty Claim Form on the Tupperware website. While Tupperware's lifetime warranty is an attractive feature of their products, some customers have reported difficulties in successfully making a claim. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of the warranty and be prepared to provide the necessary documentation and evidence.
Tupperware products are made of plastic, and like all plastic products, they will eventually need to be recycled. Tupperware containers are recyclable, and many are labelled with recycling codes to help recycling centres sort them appropriately. The plastic resin code, indicated by a number inside a triangle of three chasing arrows, specifies the type of plastic the product is made of. While Tupperware products can be recycled, it is always better to reuse them as long as possible to reduce single-use plastic waste.
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Reuse plastic containers creatively
Plastic containers can be reused in a variety of ways around the house. For those with a green thumb, plastic containers can be used as planters, with holes poked in the bottom for drainage. They can also be used to germinate seeds or propagate baby plants, and when it's time to repot, the plastic can be cut away if the plant is too big to remove. For those with a more artistic flair, plastic bottles can be used to create vases, decorated with wool, paint, or felt. They can also be used to store plastic bags or as pencil cases.
Plastic containers are also handy for storing and transporting small items such as thumbtacks, paper clips, rubber bands, and staples. They can be used to separate egg yolks when cooking, or to store and transport sandwiches, which are likely to get squished in plastic bags. Small containers are also useful for mixing small solutions of cleaning products, without the need for a large bucket. For those with children, plastic containers can provide a fun rainy-day project, such as making a bird feeder or a hanging planter.
For a more challenging project, plastic bottles can be used to create a greenhouse or even a lamp. They can also be used to hold kitchen utensils or other small items such as buttons or pencils. For a decorative touch, they can be made into flower keyrings or bottle cap lip balms, filled with Vaseline, coconut oil, or tinted with an old lipstick.
Before reusing plastic containers, it is important to check that they are safe to do so. Some plastics are not suitable for reuse, especially single-use plastic bottles, which are not safe to reuse for drinking.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic Tupperware can be recycled.
You can recycle plastic Tupperware through TerraCycle's free Rubbermaid Food Storage Recycling Program, which accepts all brands of food storage containers. To recycle, register on the TerraCycle website, collect at least 20 containers, package them, and ship them to TerraCycle with a prepaid shipping label.
After your recyclables are collected, they are sorted by material, cleaned, and shredded into flakes. Plastic containers are melted into hard plastic that can be molded into raw materials to make new products like park benches, garden beds, playgrounds, and picnic tables.
The plastic resin code on plastic Tupperware is the number inside the triangle made of three chasing arrows, which indicates the type of plastic the product is made of. Containers with a number 1 or 2 symbol are accepted in almost all local recycling programs, while number 5 plastics are not widely accepted at U.S. recycling centers.
Before recycling, consider reusing your plastic Tupperware by packing lunches or storing leftovers in them, reducing single-use plastic waste. Additionally, Tupperware has a lifetime warranty, so you may be able to replace worn-out containers for free instead of throwing them away.
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