Ethan Clarke
Tupperware is designed to last a long time, but there are times when it needs to be replaced. Old Tupperware can be unsafe, especially if it's warped, scratched, or stained, as this can indicate the presence of harmful chemicals or bacteria. When it's time to get rid of your old Tupperware, throwing it away is not the best option as plastic is not biodegradable and contributes to environmental pollution. Instead, you can recycle it, donate it, or find new ways to reuse it.
What to do with old plastic Tupperware
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycle | Check the bottom of the container for the recycling symbol and numbers 1, 2, or 4. Contact your local recycling center for clarification. |
| Donate | Schools, churches, shelters, and other organizations might accept undamaged containers. |
| Repurpose | Use for non-food storage, such as office supplies, craft supplies, or jewelry. |
| Replace | Old Tupperware may contain harmful chemicals like BPA, and may be scratched or warped, affecting food freshness and safety. |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to schools, shelters, or other organisations
Donating old plastic Tupperware to schools, shelters, or other organizations is a great way to give them a second life and support your community. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:
Contact local schools:
Reach out to nearby primary or elementary schools, or get in touch with any teachers you may know. Schools often require storage solutions for arts and crafts supplies, and your old Tupperware could be a perfect fit. By donating your Tupperware, you can help reduce waste and provide a practical resource for educators.
Shelters and other organizations:
Consider donating your old Tupperware to homeless shelters, daycare centers, or animal shelters. These organizations often rely on donations and may find your containers useful for food storage or other purposes. Ensure your containers are clean and odour-free before donating.
Donating guidelines:
Before donating, ensure your Tupperware is in good condition and free from cracks, deep scratches, or warping. Old Tupperware may contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a potentially harmful chemical. Tupperware manufactured before 2010 is more likely to contain BPA, so consider this when deciding which containers to donate. Give your containers a thorough clean, and if they have an odour, let them air out with the lid off for a few days before donating.
Other options:
If you're unable to donate your old Tupperware, consider recycling it. Check the bottom of the container for a recycling symbol with the numbers 1, 2, or 4, as these types of plastic are widely recyclable. Contact your local recycling center to confirm which types of plastic they accept. Alternatively, get creative and find new ways to repurpose your old Tupperware, such as using them for non-food storage or organizing drawers.
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Use for non-food storage, e.g. office supplies, jewellery, or seeds
Old plastic Tupperware can be used for non-food storage. They can be used to store office supplies such as pencils, sharpeners, tape, and screws. You can also use them to store jewellery, seeds, hair ties, nail polishes, and other small items.
If you are a teacher, you can use old plastic Tupperware to store art supplies. You can also donate your old plastic Tupperware to schools, where they can be used for storage, arts and crafts.
Before donating your old plastic Tupperware, ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned and odour-free.
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Recycle, but check local guidelines and container markings first
Recycling old plastic Tupperware is a great way to dispose of it sustainably. However, it's important to check your local recycling guidelines and the markings on the container before tossing it into the recycling bin.
Recycling symbols and markings on plastic products indicate the type of plastic they are made of and whether they can be recycled. Look for the triangular recycling symbol with three chasing arrows and a number inside, which indicates the type of plastic. Tupperware made from plastics #1, #2, and #4 are widely accepted at most recycling centres, while plastics #3, #6, and #7 are often not recyclable. Plastic #5 is gradually becoming more accepted, but it's a good idea to check with your local recycling centre to be sure.
When preparing Tupperware for recycling, ensure that the containers are empty, clean, dry, and preferably have their lids on. Check with your local recycling centre about any specific preparation guidelines they may have.
Keep in mind that recycling practices can vary by region, so it's essential to consult your local guidelines to ensure that you are recycling correctly. Some areas may have specific drop-off locations or collection services for recyclable plastics.
If your local recycling centre does not accept Tupperware containers, consider using a service like Terracycle, which specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle products and can properly process them at specialized centres.
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Reuse as takeaway containers for friends and family
Old plastic Tupperware can be reused as takeaway containers for friends and family. This is a great way to ensure your old Tupperware doesn't end up in a landfill, contributing to environmental pollution. Before reusing your old Tupperware, it's important to inspect it for any damage. Tupperware that is excessively old, warped, scratched, chipped, cracked, or deformed may pose health risks, especially if it is heated or used in the microwave. Old Tupperware may also be made of bisphenol-A (BPA), a potentially harmful chemical. Therefore, it is recommended to use older Tupperware for cold food storage only.
Once you've identified suitable containers, give them a thorough cleaning before reusing them. If they have an odour, try leaving them with the lid off for a few days to air out. You can then use your clean, odour-free containers to store and share meals, baked goods, or leftovers with friends and family. This is a convenient option as they won't have to worry about washing and returning the containers to you.
If you have too much old Tupperware to reuse, consider donating it to schools, shelters, or other organizations that can put them to good use. You can also recycle your old Tupperware, but be sure to check the recycling guidelines in your area, as not all facilities accept plastic containers. Look for the recycling symbol—a triangle made of three chasing arrows—with a 1, 2, or 4 inside, as these types of plastic are more widely accepted for recycling.
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Sell vintage Tupperware to collectors
If you have old plastic Tupperware lying around, there are several ways to dispose of it without throwing it in the trash. One option is to sell vintage Tupperware to collectors.
Collectors are often on the lookout for Tupperware in good condition. The condition of vintage Tupperware is a significant factor in its value, with items in like-new condition fetching the highest prices. Discoloration, cracks, and other damage can decrease the value of a container.
Collectors may specifically seek out Tupperware with the "Tupper" mark, as this insignia was not common for all products, and it tends to sell at a higher price. Pink Tupperware is also a rare find due to its tendency to fade, so it may be of particular interest to collectors. Sets in difficult-to-find colors can sell for hundreds of dollars, while single pieces in good condition typically range from $5 to $20.
Online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay are popular platforms for selling vintage Tupperware. You can also explore dedicated vintage Tupperware pricing guides and resources to help you determine the potential value of your items.
Before selling vintage Tupperware, it's important to be aware of potential health risks associated with older pieces. Tupperware manufactured before 2010 likely contains bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using these pieces for food storage.
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Frequently asked questions
Old plastic Tupperware can leach chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic into your food. It can also trap bacteria in deep scratches from constant use.
If your plastic Tupperware is warped, chipped, cracked, deformed, stained, or has an odour, it's time to replace it. Tupperware manufactured before 2010 is also likely to contain BPA, a potentially harmful chemical, so it's best to replace this.
Yes, but check the bottom of the container for the recycling symbol (a triangle made of three chasing arrows) with a 1, 2, or 4 inside it. If so, take it to your local recycling centre, ensuring it's empty, clean, dry, and has its lid on. Contact your local recycling centre to avoid unpleasant surprises.
You can use them to store non-food items such as office supplies, makeup, hair ties, nail polishes, jewellery, seeds, or arts and crafts supplies. You can also use them as a food caddy or compost bucket.
Schools, daycare centres, homeless shelters, churches, and dog pounds often accept donations of plastic containers. Ensure they are clean before donating.
