Take-out food containers, including those made of aluminum, paper, plastic, or labeled as “compostable,” have different disposal options.

Aluminum take-out containers, if rinsed and reasonably clean, can be recycled in curbside recycling or at drop-off centers. Learn more here. 

Plastic take-out containers are generally made of low-value plastics, which are currently not accepted in curbside recycling or in bins at recycling drop-off centers. Learn more here. 

Paper take-out containers are generally coated with plastic, which means they are NOT recyclable. These containers should be thrown in the trash. Learn more here. 

Take-out containers labeled as “compostable” cannot be recycled, and should be composted in a commercial composting facility or thrown away. Learn options for their disposal here.