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?????

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.

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.

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.

Empty your cupboard and bin them in your recycling bin!

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.

Fancy 😀

'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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

Agree with pp who says you could donate your excess boxes to someone if you are really sure they are non recyclable. They'll come in handy for someone!

Its ok. We all have a slower brain day. Maybe take this as a sign you need some rest!!

My takeaway changed the design and they don't stack as neatly as yours, OP

And they go through the dishwasher brilliantly. Hooray for the plastic tubs!

My council recycles them.

I actually bought a box of them a year or so ago. I currently have about 20 in use, either in the fridge or freezer. I batch cook or pop left overs into them.

My son works nights, so eats at totally different times to us. So he can grab one out of the freezer, pop it in the microwave, then eat out of it. It's very easy for him.

They stack well in the fridge or freezer. They go through the dishwasher, then get used again.

my God the joyless freezer casserole people.

@mismomary You seem the type to be easily outraged. Hopefully you will use this energy to write to your MP about something worthwhile though.

I think part of my plastic tub grumpiness this morning was the takeaway regret. Shouldn't have done it.

Never made a casserole in my life!

Lasagne, Mac cheese, various curries, chicken in various marinades and also a portions of sweet potato mash are currently residing in my freezer.

Awww. We've all been there, but at least you have some lovely new containers as compensation. Recycle some of your older ones and let the new ones bring you joy!

More than 65,000 people dead but you want to write to your MP about plastic tubs. Good to know you've got your priorities in order anyway.

My local council has them listed as something you should put in your recycling bin.

🤣🤣🤣