7 Takeout Containers and Items You Should Never Recycle - CNET

You might assume most takeout containers are recyclable in 2025, but that's far from true. While some materials are almost always safe to recycle such as glass and paper, others have a gray area and the condition of the container plays a big role in whether not it can be processed.

Even pizza boxes which are made from cardboard aren't always fit for the blue bin, and trying to recycle them only makes the system run less efficiently. While any effort to recycle should be applauded, knowing which takeout container can and can't be recycled will make your home an even greener one.

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If you're wondering whether black containers, aluminum rounds, paper clamshells and Chinese food boxes are recyclable, you're not alone.

To get the hard truth on takeout container recycling rules and limitations, I spoke with Jeremy Walters. A passionate environmentalist, Walters is the sustainability ambassador for the second-largest recycling collector in the US, Republic Services. He shared some important tips to remember and common mistakes to avoid when recycling takeout boxes and containers at home.

Here's what you need to know to get the most mileage out of your blue bin.

Styrofoam containers are a scorch on the environment. If you feel comfortable asking your local takeout spot to stop using them, you probably should.

1. Do some recycling research: The most important thing you can do to streamline the process is to find out which containers can and can't be recycled in your specific area. This will likely vary depending on where you live, so you'll need to check with your local sanitation department, often via its website.

2. Don't assume it can be recycled: Just because a takeout container has a recycling symbol on it doesn't mean it can be recycled where you live. Some cheaper producers of takeout containers will label something recyclable even if it's not.

3. Give 'em a good rinse: When recycling any takeout containers, make sure they're as clean as possible. Residual food waste, especially grease, can cause a material to become unrecyclable.

What follows are general rules and guidelines on which takeout containers can and can't be recycled and how best to recycle them.

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Most black plastic containers are nonrecyclable.

Chinese takeout containers mostly can't be recycled.

Some cities -- Austin, Texas for example -- have curbside composting for food-coated paper products. A program like this may not be available in your community, but it doesn't hurt to check. And Block Bins, a shared-bin composting startup that launched in Chicago, provides a similar service even if your town or city doesn't.

Aluminum containers are recyclable and easy to get clean.

Plastic clamshell containers: Clear plastic takeout containers with a recycling symbol can be recycled. If it's a plastic container labeled No. 1 or No. 2, you can recycle it and should whenever possible.

Aluminum containers: You know the ones you can never close as tightly as the restaurant did the first time no matter how much you pinch? Yeah, those are recyclable as long as they're clean.

Paper or cardboard containers: These are often made from recycled materials and can be recycled themselves. Some are even biodegradable and compostable as long as they are thoroughly cleaned and haven't soaked up much grease. Even ones that aren't recyclable are far less toxic than plastic or Styrofoam when being processed, burned or buried.

Paper bags: Many restaurants send their orders in large paper bags and those absolutely can and should be recycled or reused. Plastic bags, on the other hand, can't be.

Clean paper products: Any paper plates, napkins or cardboard pizza boxes that are not heavily soiled with grease can generally be recycled.

Your favorite local food joint may not even know about some of the more eco-friendly container options.

If you feel comfortable gently letting your local restaurant know you'd appreciate them using one of the many environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic and polystyrene, you should. You could also send a polite, anonymous email saying how much you love the food and service, but that you have one small request on behalf of the Earth.

For more green stuff, check out our list of the most environmentally friendly meal kits and find out how to properly recycle metal cans.