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?????

We occasionally get a takeaway - one of the reasons (apart from the food) is we have run out of tubs. They get used for all sorts of things and eventually need to be replaced.

I use them time and time again for fridge and freezer storage. Once they get discoloured or cracked they go in the recycling. Why would they not be recyclable?

My takeaway of choice uses cardboard tubs with plastic lids!! Very annoying as obviously the cardboard can’t be reused so I just have to immediately chuck the kids into the recycling. I always reused the plastic tubs until they broke! So useful for putting leftovers in the freezer. I’ve actually had to buy some tubs from Amazon!!

What do you expect them to do? Takeaways are always necessarily going to create proportionately more waste than cooking/preparing food for yourself would - even the extra journey that you/the delivery person make(s) just to get one meal from their shop to your house.

Next time, wear a big fisherman-style jumper and hold out the bottom to make a kind of tray that they can slop all of the food straight into, instead of using any new container - and be veeeeery careful on your journey home - the environment thanks you

Why did you order a takeaway then?

Well it was thank you for asking. there was duck, sweet and sour chicken, prawn fried rice, beef with green peppers, plain noodles, Singapore noodles and indecent amounts of OK spare ribs. Enough to not need it again for a few months!

Home batch-cooked food is amazing... but it still isn't a takeaway.

I think you should be more worried about single use plastics ... I re-use my Chinese containers over and over.

Yes you're right, chip shops still the best use of paper and cardboard. But sadly not a popular choice in my house. Would be for me though.

@SprayWhiteDung, But it doesn't need to involve single-use plastics or fuel for delivering it.

⬆️ these are the joyless casserole people.

So you are happy to use them and have a cupboard full, but you want them banned? That doesn't make sense.

Ha! We are rural so have to collect. Wonder what they would do if I turned up with a load of my own containers!

True. But the containers eventually wear out or fall and break, so how do you replenish your stock for the freezer food?!

You could also say the same about most pleasurable things in life, though: e.g. why make a wasteful journey out to a concert or a play when you already have a TV at home?!

Just make the chicken casserole

@SprayWhiteDung , because a live play or concert is quite different to watching TV.

An excellent outcome, enjoy your takeaway with the knowledge that you can recycle the tubs.

Onto the next important issue, what are the things bottom right in that photo please? I need to know!

You can recycle lots nowadays but I had no idea you could recycle kids !
How does it work ?
Do you need a flesh coloured bin ?

🤣🤣

Recyclabl, reusable and donatable - our local food bank takes them. But YANBU to write to your MP if you’re moved to.

I'm really glad you started this thread, OP. I didn't realise they were recyclable either, and now I do!

This is a great idea , I guess it's similar to taking your own cup to the coffee shop. It's a shame more takeaways don't do it.

In the same way that many people find a takeaway quite different from food they've cooked themselves!

I love a great curry, but my own can never compare with those from my local Indian takeaway.

Of course they’re recyclable! I’ve been reusing mine for years for storing food leftovers cos they stack nicely in the fridge.

With care you can reheat food in them as it’s non transferable plastic

Given their see thru, they’re invaluable for storing DIY bits and pieces, nails, screws, brackets , in the shed.

Oh doesn't your council take any plastic or foil at all ?

I'm just impressed with your storage, so neat and organised.
We don't have takeaways anymore so I had to buy some containers because I use them to separate lego bags when building my masterpieces and dh uses them in his shed for screws and whatever else he hoards in there.