To want to write to my MP about Chinese plastic tubs

[mismomary]

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?????

Why would you think that they’re non-recyclable?

Vote with your feet and don't buy from them if it means that much to you.

"Glamorous" cardboard boxes 😂😂😂 I've heard it all now!!

i think they’re recyclable in most councils?

They are recyclable

They're recyclable.

Cardboard boxes are lined with plastic and not recyclable.

I’d be very surprised if they’re non recyclable. Can we have a picture please?

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

One of the things that puts me off takeaways - the mountains of plastic that's created. It might be recyclable but it's not very sustainable.

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

Single use? I’ve got a drawerful. And a freezer!

Those glamorous cardboard boxes will be made of a multi layered material that you struggle to recycle. It’s like Pringles tubes. First you’d have to seperate the bonded layers. Those pjs in plastic tubs can be recycled or reused. Maybe batch cooks lots of chicken casserole for the freezer?

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 !

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