Tupperware - the household name in reusable plastic containers. It has been around since 1946, and has long been the staple for keeping food and perishables contained and fresh.
So, when tupperware containers become stained, old, or broken, can it be recycled? That’s the big question. If you’re wondering if you should toss your unwanted Tupperware (or any plastic containers for that matter) into the general disposal or the recycling bin, we’ve got the answers.
What are Tupperware containers made of?
Tupperware containers are mostly made from plastic material — depending on the type of container, the type of plastic used can vary.
For example, containers that are manufactured by the Tupperware brand are free from BPA (as of 2010), which is a chemical produced as part of the production of polycarbonate plastics. According to the Tupperware brand, today, many of their plastic containers are made from recyclable plastics.
Can Tupperware be recycled?
Most of the time, yes.
The recyclability of Tupperware containers will depend on the type of plastic resin it's made with. Plastic containers usually have recycling symbols marked on the underside that indicate the plastic used — these are referred to as recycling codes.
To find the symbol, look for a number inside a recycling bin or triangle visual on the bottom of the plastic container. Once you’ve found it, you can make use of this table to determine if it can be recycled:
| Recycling code number | Type of plastic material | Recyclability |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PET - used for drinks bottles and some food packaging | Easily recycled |
| 2 | HDPE - used for cleaning product bottles, milk cartons | Easily recycled |
| 3 | PVC - used for car parts, window fittings | Difficult to recycle |
| 4 | LDPE - used for plastic bags and wrapping | Requires special recycling methods |
| 5 | PP - used for most plastic containers and trays | Easily recycled |
| 6 | PS - used for takeaway boxes, disposable cutlery | Difficult to recycle |
| 7 | Other - used for crisp packets, rice packets | Requires special recycling methods |
Tupperware and other plastic containers are usually labelled with recycling code number 5, but certain types of plastic containers may consist of different resins.
When should Tupperware be thrown out?
Tupperware containers have a reputation for lasting years and decades - that’s why the brand name has become so synonymous with food containers. That being said, there will eventually come a time when it will have to be disposed of. Here are some signs that your Tupperware needs to be replaced:
- Heavy staining - Tupperware that is used to store foods like curries or spicy foods can absorb the colours, staining the plastic.
- Persistent odours – Tupperware can develop a nasty smell from all the types of food they’ve contained. Strong unpleasant smells can also be a sign of bacterial residue or growth, which makes the containers unsanitary for use.
- Deformation – Like any plastic product, Tupperware can warp and change in shape when exposed to high temperatures, which can happen in the dishwasher or when used for excessively hot foods. This can cause the container to lose the integrity of its airtight seal and become unsuitable for storage.
- Missing or damaged lid – Probably the most annoying thing about Tupperware is that there’s always at least one orphan lid or container in the drawer. Don’t hold onto it for years waiting for the lid to magically appear! Containers that don’t have a lid are not practical for keeping food fresh. In the same way, a crack in a damaged lid also compromises the seal of the container, causing it to be prone to contamination or spills.
How to recycle Tupperware and plastic containers
1. Give it a good wash and clean to remove any leftover food residue or oils and leave it to dry.
2. Keep the lids and containers together when you set them aside as they will usually be made of the same material.
3. Lastly, double-check the recycling symbol on them to make sure that they can be recycled.
Once that’s done, you can proceed to recycle Tupperware in the following ways:
Reusing Tupperware
Containers aren’t just useful for holding food — they can also be used to sort smaller trinkets and personal items. If they are free from smells or deformation, you could consider reusing them as boxes in drawers for added storage.
Alternatively, they can also be used as miniature plant pots to cultivate a herb garden of your own in the kitchen.
Donate Tupperware
Tupperware that still works well can be donated instead of being sent to the recycling facility. Many op shops in Australia will accept Tupperware that has been cleaned and is still in good knick.
Recycle your waste with with Ridly
At Ridly, we can collect your plastic containers as well as any other household junk you have with our household & residential rubbish removal service in Sydney. Our services are just a call away and can be carried out as soon as on the same day. Once we collect your plastic containers, we’ll drop them off as a proper recycling facility for your peace of mind — it’s that easy with Ridly!