to feel put off takeaways by all the packaging?

[catchingup1]

I do love a takeaway, it’s such an easy option after working really long hours lately. But recently I’ve found myself hesitating because of how much packaging comes with it.

It’s never just one bag. It’s multiple plastic tubs, lids, everything individually wrapped, sauces in separate little pots, extra bags, napkins, plastic cutlery I didn’t ask for. Sometimes even a cardboard box inside another bag. By the time I’ve unpacked it all, the kitchen side is covered and there is a small mountain of rubbish before I’ve even started eating.

Half of it either can’t be recycled or I’m not even sure if it can, so it just goes straight in the bin. I end up sitting there eating but also thinking about the waste, which slightly takes the edge off what’s meant to be a nice, easy meal.

I know in the grand scheme of things it’s not the biggest issue and I could just cook instead. It just feels like there should be a better way than this level of packaging for one dinner.

Each dish comes in its own container. Increasingly cardboard now but often plastic. Then maybe sauces are in little tubs and the whole thing is in a carrier bag. I don't really see how they could make it any less?

Most places I use do seem to use cardboard and paper bags. And I never get cutlery. I guess it depends on the shop. And I rarely get a serviette!

How would they deliver the food to you without the packaging?

If you order multiple things, yes, it will come in multiple containers.

If you want minimal packaging, maybe opt for a pizza? With no additional dips/sides? Then it will just be a cardboard box - unlike bought pizzas which are covered in plastic before being boxed (admittedly it's a smaller box).

I'm not sure how else they could do it, but would love to hear of interesting solutions!

Plastic takeaway tubs are both recyclable and reusable. Plastic cutlery is reusable. Plastic carrier bags are soft plastics recyclable at supermarkets, handy to stuff other soft plastics in them until next trip. Cardboard is recyclable.

If you are at home, you don't need to use the napkins. Put them in a road kit or use them when you need to use them.

ETA sauce tubs if clear plastic, also recycle or reuse. Styrofoam is the devil but they would be the only packaging going in the bin.

We have a Greek Cypriot takeaway near us and to combat the “waste”
with packaging if you go and collect it with your own tubs and bag, they will give you a 15% discount which is a great incentive.

when you phone to order it they say how many tubs you need and you just take them and they box it up.

the owners have won an award from the council for their green initiative

I agree with you - our area changed the rules on bins a few years ago, we recycle lots, have separate food waste bin etc, but the actual bin for landfill is pretty small and only collected every 2 weeks. There are times now that I don’t get a takeaway because I know I can’t fit the rubbish in my bin and however tasty it is, it’s not worth having to do a trip to the tip!

It’s a good thing really, we’re eating better and saving money - we keep good quality ready meals in the freezer now for when we can’t be bothered to cook.

You want everything tipped into one big bucket or something?

This is a great idea! I wish more places did this.

Tell me you don’t throw out the plastic tubs? These are great for storing food! We don’t often have a takeaway but have bought takeaway tubs if we are running short.

Surely it's common sense that if you order multiple items these items come in separate containers or boxes?

What exactly would be your solution for the takeaway to prevent the food mixing or spilling during delivery?

In their hands?

Yes that is exactly what I meant 👏

That sounds amazing. I wish my local takeaways did this.

Same. The general waste bin is small so I really have to think about what I put in there! Knowing it is nearly full means no takeaway.

Why not ask them if it's something they would consider?

You don't need to wait for others to make a change.

I don't get that many takeaways any more but I rely on the plastic tubs to freeze stuff in.
If we get Chinese then each dish comes in its own container - it would be disgusting if it didn't.
Same with Indian - if what we get comes with salad it's just in a little plastic bag. Separate pots for sauces - but what else are they supposed to do with them?
Kentucky - everything in a cardboard box - but I concede there is probably no need for each portion of chips to be in its own paper bag.
Kebab - ours come in a thickened cardboard box per portion (just as well because I do NOT want my chicken to be contaminated with DH's lamb and sauce). Chips do come separately but we don't usually have those.
Fish and chips - in a cardboard box. Usually just one, but if we are ordering for more than 2 people it's probably more than one.

Never ever cutlery or napkins.

I voted YABU. Just don't order a takeaway... Especially if you know your favourites have tons of packaging.

😂

All of this!

Takeaway tubs are used here to store food in, freeze things in, transport things in, picnic in, store screws and small bits in

Then when they break or we have too many they go in the plastics.

The deeper ones make excellent free storage for colour and size sorted Lego bricks. Game changing.

OP, I totally feel like this!! Feels good to know others feel the same. I rarely get takeaways.. like the idea 💡 of a discount for bringing own containers.