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Original poster

To want to write to my MP about Chinese plastic tubs

137 replies

mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:28

Yesterday I was going to cook a chicken casserole. All the ingredients were purchased, some already laid out on the kitchen counter. I was looking forward to it. I knew it was going to take about an hour to make. But somehow I couldn't get my arse in gear. It's an exeat weekend and I just flopped on the sofa watching a film with DC and lit the fire. Chicken casserole didn't happen and suddenly everyone is starving. So out come the ancient Chinese menus. I've even written "don't do it" on one. But we did it.

And it arrives in trillions of those plastic tubs. I already a cupboard dedicated to them, three columns - large, small, lids. I don't need any more and they are non recyclable. Aren't they? Aren't they the single use plastic that is supposed to be banned? I don't understand. Why can't we do the glamorous cardboard boxes like America. Why?????

OP posts:
CasperGutman · 27/09/2025 08:47

We find these containers so useful for storing soups and leftovers in the freezer for weekday lunches. Because they're all the same size and shape they stack much more efficiently than a load of non-matching boxes.

Unfortunately the takeaways we use have all started using cardboard, and our collection is sadly depleted. As a result I actually bought a pack of 25 plastic takeaway boxes online last week!

DarkForces · 27/09/2025 08:46

You can write to your mp about whatever you like. Personally I reuse takeaway boxes until they break. They're such a handy size and perfect for lunch and leftovers. They go in the recycling once they split.

Original poster
mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:46

Jesús they do have RECYCLABLE stamped on the bottom of them!! I swear they didn't last time I looked. Much relieved. Sorry to have bothered you all with my nonsense. At least I won't be interrupting Tim Farron's day. You've saved him some time.

OP posts:
Coffeeishot · 27/09/2025 08:46

Our Chinese takeaway now have a mix of plastic and compostible containers, so it is regular and recycling bins.

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 27/09/2025 08:45

mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:34

You can just tell by looking at them that they are non recyclable. That sturdy plastic. And no recyclable symbols on them.

This is one of the most bizarre comments ive ever read on this site. That sturdy plastic. But surely, if anything, that could purport more to it being recyclable 🤣!
And also, it really doesn't matter how thick it is, if its recyclable plastic then its recyclable!
Fun fact: black plastic trays are difficult to recycle because the machines cant pick them up because of the colour. Or that was the case when I worked within a council waste services job.

Throwntothewolves · 27/09/2025 08:45

'Single use plastic' doesn't mean they aren't recyclable. And evidently they are reusable. So just do one or the other with the tubs.

Coffeeishot · 27/09/2025 08:44

NannyR · 27/09/2025 08:44

An Indian takeaway near us has the option of serving your food in reusable metal tiffin boxes, that you return and refill next time you order a curry.

Fancy 😀

TheDandyLion · 27/09/2025 08:44

The cardboard boxes aren't recyclable because they're lined with plastic like takeaway coffee cups. You can't separate the 2 materials but you can recycle 1 plastic material.

Coffeeishot · 27/09/2025 08:44

mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:42

I rarely get a take away, maybe once a month maximum. And then it's usually a pizza. A Chinese or Indian maybe once every three or four months. So the plastic tub horror is fresh every time. And last night was worse because I knew I didn't have room for any more of them.

Empty your cupboard and bin them in your recycling bin!

NannyR · 27/09/2025 08:44

An Indian takeaway near us has the option of serving your food in reusable metal tiffin boxes, that you return and refill next time you order a curry.

PastaAllaNorma · 27/09/2025 08:44

So you want to contact your MP about single use non-recyclable plastic tubs...
that you use multiple times and are fully recyclable?

I'd go back to bed for an hour and restart my weekend, OP. This one didn't work.

Original poster
mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:42

I rarely get a take away, maybe once a month maximum. And then it's usually a pizza. A Chinese or Indian maybe once every three or four months. So the plastic tub horror is fresh every time. And last night was worse because I knew I didn't have room for any more of them.

OP posts:
CasperGutman · 27/09/2025 08:42

mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:34

You can just tell by looking at them that they are non recyclable. That sturdy plastic. And no recyclable symbols on them.

Are you sure? Check again! They're definitely recyclable. I've never actually recycled one without reusing it several times first, though.

To want to write to my MP about Chinese plastic tubs
Coffeeishot · 27/09/2025 08:42

mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:34

You can just tell by looking at them that they are non recyclable. That sturdy plastic. And no recyclable symbols on them.

You can recycle take away tubs in your plastic recycling, I mean you can stop being lazy and make your dinner then the plastic won't upset you so much !

bluebettyy · 27/09/2025 08:41

I always put them in the recycling as they’re smelly and usually discolour straight away

luckylavender · 27/09/2025 08:41

Seems like a total waste of your time & your MP’s time to me. If you don’t like it, vote with your feet. Don’t order from there. No one is forcing you.

SundayRoast1234 · 27/09/2025 08:40

I agree. I’m amazed they’re not banned yet. Takeaways create so much rubbish. I don’t think those plastic tubs are recyclable either. We have a no plastic shop near us and they take those tubs in off customers and give them away to anyone who wants them. They’re useful for freezing portions of batch cooking.

Auroraloves · 27/09/2025 08:40

Well I use my common sense, clean them out and reuse for food storage and packed lunches. And sometimes. put in the recycling and it gets taken

bluebettyy · 27/09/2025 08:40

Surely you had some freezer food like chips etc if you couldn’t be bothered to cook and don’t like the plastic in takeaways? Not to mention the cost is outrageous now.

Original poster
mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:39

Ok I'm stepping off my soap box and putting the stationery away.

I didn't realise they were recyclable.

Also point taken about the cardboard tubs in the US.

OP posts:
Sprogonthetyne · 27/09/2025 08:39

You could batch cook that chicken casserole, put it I that stack of plastic containers, then pop it in the freezer to pull out next time you flop on the sofa and can't be bothered.

Original poster
mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:38

My freezer is full of meals in plastic tubs. My fridge has a leftovers section with food in plastic tubs. So yes I suppose they aren't single use are they.

OP posts:
Bladderpool · 27/09/2025 08:37

You’re kidding yourself about America, the cardboard boxes are a movie trope. Traveled extensively in the US and the appalling overuse of single use plastic is horrifying. To the point I would say everything we’re doing here is utterly pointless if a country that big uses plastic and polystyrene for every single meal, including sit down restaurants.

And as others have said the plastic boxes here are recyclable.

Baital · 27/09/2025 08:37

Gallivant · 27/09/2025 08:34

They are recyclable. But they're also reusable, and handy for storing all kinds of things.

Brilliant for using when you batch cook and store in the freezer. As i am sure you do to reduce your reliance on takeaways...

Original poster
mismomary · 27/09/2025 08:36

Here's my little collection. They are incredibly useful.

To want to write to my MP about Chinese plastic tubs
OP posts:
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