We are all used to seeing Tupperware in our homes. But, in case you are wondering what this is, it is simple. As a kid, you must have been used to seeing plastic containers in your homes. Usually, these plastic containers are used to house food items before they are kept in the fridge.
You cannot deny that the number of Tupperware you grew up to at home is always a lot. Even now that you are an adult, you usually have a number of them lying around. So, you sometimes think of disposing of them.
However, thanks to the emergence of a more environmentally conscious society, you wonder how to dispose of these containers. As of necessity, you are now thinking, can you recycle your Tupperware? Is your Tupperware eco-friendly? Well, these are all questions that you should be asking.
As such, in this article, we will dive into the details. We will tell you all you need to know about recycling your Tupperware. We will also discuss alternative options if you are looking to dispose of them. This way, you can make an informed decision.
Is Tupperware Recyclable?
Plastic containers are so popular that it would take a miracle not to find one in a kitchen. This is thanks to its functional nature. Usually, there is a wide range of things that you can apply these containers to and experience more ease.
However, regardless of their functionality, one thing is certain: they will not last forever. In the long run, wear and tear will occur, and you will need to dispose of it. This is where the thoughts of recycling come in.
Still, you just might not be sure as to whether or not you can recycle your Tupperware. Well, let us clarify that for you.
Generally, your Tupperware is made from plastic material. As such, it is usually recyclable. In most cases, Tupperware that comes from plastic categorized under either number 1 or number 2 recycling sign on their bottom can be recycled. In fact, most local recycling centers will accept them for recycling from you.
Also, plastics that fall under category #5 are accepted by some recycling centers. So, all you need to do is confirm with your local recycling center. You can then check if your plastic falls under the category of Tupperware that they accept for recycling.
However, you will need to ensure that they are in good condition before you drop them off for recycling. What this means is that they must be clean, dry, and empty. So, where necessary, ensure that you wash them and dry them before you drop them off.
Also, when you decide to recycle your Tupperware, you will need to drop it off with the lid. Once again, remember that you cannot just drop off your Tupperware in the recycling bin. This is because not all recycling center readily accepts them for recycling.
As such, you want to check with the recycling center you have in mind. Usually, once you do, they will direct you to the right means to get your Tupperware across to them if they accept it for recycling.
Is Tupperware Eco-Friendly?
Tupperware has always been the rave. You can hardly go back to a time when it was not popular within your home. However, you’re not so sure if you should be using it anymore. This is thanks to the increasing attention to the safety and protection of our environment.
So, one question on your mind is whether or not your Tupperware is eco-friendly. We bet you’re looking to get the right answers. Well, we have got you covered. We will tell you all about the safety and eco-friendliness of your Tupperware.
Also, you will need to keep in mind that your Tupperware comes from plastic materials. Over the years, we have learned that most plastic materials are not biodegradable. In turn, when they make it to landfills, they take hundreds of years before they break down.
So, what happens is that these plastic materials continue to fill these landfills and result in the pollution of the environment. You would agree with us that something that pollutes the environment isn’t environmentally friendly.
As if that is not enough, within this period, thanks to rainfall and erosion, most of these plastic materials find their way to the marine environment. These various aquatic animals, believing it to be food, then consume these toxic materials and die.
In fact, today, plastic debris is one of the leading pollutants of marine life. We bet we do not need to tell you that something that threatens marine life can hardly qualify as eco-friendly. So, yes, your Tupperware isn’t exactly eco-friendly when we get down to the details.
Beyond this, some of these plastic materials are dangerous to humans who are an integral part of the environment. Usually, these plastics are categorized based on their toxicity. For instance, plastics that fall under categories #2, #4, and #5 are deemed to be safe for use as Tupperware.
On the other hand, plastics that fall under categories #3, #6, and #7 are harmful as they are high-risk plastic. Tupperware that comes from this plastic material is without a doubt a threat to our environment and far from eco-friendly.
Is Tupperware Dishwasher Safe?
You will need to wash your Tupperware. So, one question on your mind is whether it is safe for you to put it in the dishwasher. Well, here is what you need to know.
At some point, you must have heard that it is not safe to include your Tupperware in the dishwasher. However, that is not always the case. Most Tupperware is now dishwasher safe. However, you will need to ensure that you do not place it in the lower rack.
This is because the pressure is usually high there, and it can affect the plastic container. So instead, place it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Also, it would be best to check the plastic container to see if its dishwasher safe.
In most cases, the markings on it will indicate this. If it is safe, the markings will show a glass that has water drops. You might also find a plate with diagonal lines. Under both situations, your Tupperware is dishwasher safe.
Can You Throw Away Old Tupperware?
You would agree that most people are prone to just throwing away things that have no value to them. This is why you might also be tempted to throwing away your old Tupperware when it is no longer useful to you.
However, just before you do that, you must stop and ask yourself if it is okay. This question is even more important for you if you are looking towards protecting the environment. We understand that there might be some confusion as to whether you should throw it away or not.
Well, we have got you covered as regards what you need to know.
It is not advisable that you just throw away your old Tupperware. While it is an easy option, it has a wide range of impacts on the environment. Believe us; you would rather not contribute to these circumstances.
This is because when you decide to just throw them away, what happens is that they end up in landfills. As we have rightly explained above, Tupperware is a plastic container. And, unfortunately, plastic is a nonbiodegradable material.
What this means is that the plastic will remain in those landfills for years, polluting the environment. Usually, the sun will sometimes burn those plastic materials leading to the release of toxic materials into the environment. We bet you do not want that.
Well, it gets even worse. In most cases, thanks to rainfall, aquatic life gets threatened by these plastic materials that find their way into the marine environment. A significant number of aquatic lives already die thanks to plastic pollution. We bet you do not want to contribute to that.
Also, when they do not make it to landfills, these plastic containers will usually get burned. As you can guess, this will lead to the release of toxic fumes into the environment. It is no news that this a significant form of pollution and bad for the environment.
So, ensure you do not just throw off your old Tupperware. Your best option is to recycle them or apply them to other uses. Do not worry; we will tell you some of these uses below.
What Can You Do with Old Tupperware?
Now that you know you can recycle your old Tupperware; you should be looking to do that. However, that is not the only way to dispose of your old Tupperware. Beyond recycling, there are other attractive options that you can opt for.
We bet you are looking to jump in on them. Well, here you go!
1. Sell Them to a Thrift Store
You can always sell your old Tupperware to the nearest thrift store. This does because it allows you to dispose of your Tupperware and still make some money off it. Great right?
However, before you head over to the thrift store, you will need to ensure some basic things are in place. For example, you want to go there with a Tupperware that has a lid. Also, it would best to go with a Tupperware that is still in good condition and not damaged.
Beyond this, also ensure that the Tupperware is washed and clean. It would be best to ensure it is also empty and dry before heading over to the thrift store. So, ensure the toy removes all labels from the Tupperware. When you do all this, they will be interested in taking it off your hands.
2. Donate to Your Local Charity
You can also donate your Tupperware to your local charity. Unlike with the thrift store, you should not be expecting to make any money here. However, you can be sure you are helping the less privileged.
However, just like you did in the case of the thrift store, you will need to ensure that it is neat and dry. It would also be best to ensure that it is empty.
3. Send It Back to the Manufacturer
You can also send the Tupperware back to the manufacturer. Then, all you need to do is contact the Tupperware company that sold the Tupperware to you. As always, you will need to ensure that it is clean when you send it back. Also, remember to add the lid.
Conclusion
Today, Tupperware is now common in most homes. This is thanks to the convenience that they offer. They are not only less breakable compared to glass; they are also lightweight. However, like all things, their design does not allow them to last forever. At some point, whether due to a missing lid, or its weird texture, you will need to replace it and dispose of the old one.
Doing this can be quite complicated when you consider the protection of the environment. Well, it does not always have to be like that. You can now recycle your Tupperware. There are also other things you can do with them. We have discussed all that in this article. So, read up and stay informed.
