Maya Ellison
Plastic takeaway containers are a common source of convenience for many people, but they can also be a source of waste and environmental pollution if not disposed of properly. While some materials, such as aluminium, paper, and cardboard, are widely accepted by recycling programs, the recyclability of plastic takeaway containers varies depending on the area. It is important to check with local guidelines to determine if these containers can be recycled in your community. To prevent contamination, it is crucial to ensure that containers are empty, clean, and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. However, there are also numerous creative ways to repurpose plastic takeaway containers, such as using them for storage, art projects, or even as planters for succulents or cacti.
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What You'll Learn
Use them for food storage and meal prep
Plastic takeaway containers can be used for food storage and meal prep in several ways. Firstly, you can use them to store prepped vegetables in the refrigerator, ensuring they are ready to go when you need them. This method also helps to keep your fridge organised and reduces food waste. Before using the containers for food storage, ensure they are properly sterilised by soaking them in warm, soapy water for 5-10 minutes, gently cleaning them with a sponge or brush, and then spraying them with isopropyl alcohol. Allow the containers to air dry, and spray them with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent acidic foods from staining them.
Takeaway containers are also useful for storing and transporting food. You can use them to deliver meals to neighbours or those in need, or to send leftovers home with guests. They are also handy for meal prep, allowing you to portion out meals in advance. Additionally, these containers are great for storing dry food items such as rice, pasta, or flour, keeping your pantry organised and tidy.
If you are using the containers for food storage, ensure that they are made of food-safe materials. Most plastic takeaway containers are made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PP (polypropylene) plastics, which are food-safe and recyclable. However, it is important to check your local recycling guidelines, as some plastics are not widely recycled.
Takeaway containers can also be used for storing and transporting non-food items, such as beauty products and toiletries. They are especially useful for travel, as they are lightweight and portable. You can also use the containers to store items such as hardware, craft materials, charger cords, or small items like paper clips and jewellery.
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Make seed trays and planters
Plastic takeaway containers can be used to make seed trays and planters. Here are some ways to do this:
Seed trays
To make seed trays, you can follow these steps:
- Drill or punch holes in the bottom of the container for drainage.
- Fill the container with soil, seeds, and water.
- Place the container on a sunny windowsill and watch your seedlings grow.
Planters
If you have sturdy plastic containers, they can also be used as planters. Here are some ideas:
- Wrap cylindrical containers in paper, twine, wrapping paper, or fabric (avoid wrapping the bottom to prevent rot).
- Add soil and a small cactus or succulent.
- Place the planter on a plate to catch any drained water.
You can also use plastic containers as saucers under pots or to deliver meals to neighbours or those in need. However, it is advised to avoid growing consumable plants in plastic over the long term due to the potential absorption of chemicals into the plant.
Additionally, sugarcane containers with clear plastic lids can be used to create mini greenhouses. Stab a few drainage holes in the bottom, fill with soil, and press in seeds. Put the lid back on until sprouts appear.
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Organise drawers and small items
Plastic takeaway containers can be used to organise drawers and small items in multiple ways. Firstly, you can use them to create sections within a drawer. To do this, place the containers in a drawer and fill them with the items you want to organise. You can also use the lids as paint palettes or as a base for blocks by gluing Lego pieces to them.
Another way to use plastic takeaway containers for organisation is to sort and store items. You can use the containers to sort items by type, size, or colour and then stack them neatly in a cabinet or on a shelf. Label the containers so you can easily find what you're looking for. This method can be especially useful for storing craft materials, hardware, costume jewellery, paper clips, and other small items.
Additionally, you can use plastic takeaway containers to organise drawers by nesting them. This involves placing smaller containers inside larger ones and then stacking them together. This saves space and keeps your drawers neat and tidy.
It's also important to note that not all plastic containers are created equal. Clear containers are better for storing food because you can see what's inside, reducing waste. You should also avoid using containers that are cracked, cloudy, or scratched as these can leech harmful chemicals into your food. Instead, repurpose them for non-food items or recycle them.
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Use as paint palettes and art projects
Plastic takeaway containers can be used for art projects and as paint palettes. Before using them for art projects, you can paint the containers with paints formulated to adhere to plastic. Pick a theme, such as wild animals, native plants, or a rainbow-filled sky. You can then staple these painted containers to a wall or cork board.
Plastic takeaway container lids can be used as paint palettes and are easy to wash and reuse. You can also use the containers as trays for paint rollers.
Plastic containers can be used to store craft materials, as well as other small items like hardware, charger cords, costume jewelry, and paper clips.
If you're feeling creative, you can use cylindrical plastic containers as a cheap alternative to ceramic pots for your plants. Simply punch a hole in the bottom, wrap them in paper, add soil, and place a small cactus or succulent inside. Place the container on a plate to catch any drained water.
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Check if they can be recycled
It is important to check whether your plastic takeaway containers can be recycled, as not all plastics can be recycled and made into another type of product. The ability of a plastic to be recycled depends on its chemical composition. For example, only thermoplastics can be recycled, whereas thermosets cannot. Examples of plastics that can be recycled include Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) plastics, which are often used in food and drink containers. However, even if a plastic is technically recyclable, it may not be accepted by your local recycling centre. Municipal recycling centres often only accept plastics labelled #1 or #2 (PET/PETE and HDPE), as these are lightweight and easy to reform into new materials. Some centres may also accept plastics labelled #3 and #4 (PVC and LDPE), but polypropylene and polystyrene are rarely recycled.
To determine whether your plastic takeaway containers can be recycled, you should first check for a label indicating the type of plastic. If the containers are labelled #1 or #2, they are likely to be accepted by your local recycling centre. If they are labelled #3 or #4, you should contact your local centre to see if they accept these plastics. If the containers are not labelled, you may need to contact the manufacturer or conduct further research to determine the type of plastic.
It is also important to ensure that your plastic containers are clean before placing them in the recycling bin. Containers with leftover food remnants or grease can contaminate other recyclables and may not be accepted by recycling facilities. Therefore, it is recommended to wash and dry containers before recycling them.
Additionally, it is worth considering the availability of more sustainable alternatives. For example, you could opt for takeaway restaurants that use compostable containers, or bring your own reusable containers when ordering food to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic takeaway containers can be used for various purposes, such as storing meal prepped vegetables in the refrigerator, storing hardware, craft materials, charger cords, costume jewellery, paper clips, and other small items.
Plastic containers can be used as seed trays, planters, or pots for succulents and cacti. Drainage holes should be punched in the bottom of the containers, and they should be wrapped in paper or fabric to prevent the roots from rotting.
Plastic containers labelled with a #1 or #2 can be recycled in most places. However, it is essential to check with your local waste management guidelines to confirm. Before recycling, ensure the containers are thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent food residue from contaminating other recyclables.
Plastic containers can be used for meal prep, delivering food to those in need, storing beauty products when travelling, mixing DIY beauty products, and organising drawers or cables. They can also be used for entertainment by filling them with Lego blocks or as paint palettes.
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