Expert Shares Common Takeout Recycling Mistakes

CNET sustainability expert outlines the biggest culprits that are almost never recyclable.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:00am

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A bold, colorful grid of a single clear plastic takeout container repeated in neon shades, conceptually representing the importance of recycling common food service items.Vibrant silkscreen art highlights the need for proper recycling of common takeout packaging to reduce waste and contamination.Austin Today

A CNET expert outlined the biggest culprits for takeout that are almost never recyclable, including Styrofoam, black plastic packaging, takeout containers, clamshells, plastic bags, utensils, and heavily soiled paper or cardboard products. The expert advises getting familiar with what can be recycled locally and thoroughly rinsing containers before recycling to avoid contamination.

Why it matters

Proper recycling and avoiding "wishcycling" can help ensure more products get truly recycled rather than ending up in landfills due to contamination. It can also save labor and processing costs at recycling facilities. Taking steps to maximize recycling and minimize waste is an important part of cutting down on plastic pollution.

The details

Jeremy Walters, a sustainability ambassador from Republic Services, shared tips on common recycling do's and don'ts for takeout packaging. Many people mistakenly think all takeout packaging is recyclable, especially if it has the recycling symbol. However, Walters outlined several common takeout items that are almost never recyclable, including Styrofoam, black plastic, takeout containers, clamshells, plastic bags, utensils, and heavily soiled paper or cardboard. He advises thoroughly rinsing containers to remove grease and food particles before recycling to prevent contamination. Commonly recyclable items include clear plastic clamshells, aluminum foil containers, and non-soiled paper or cardboard like bags, pizza boxes, napkins, and plates.

  • The CNET article was published on April 3, 2026.

The players

Jeremy Walters

A sustainability ambassador from Republic Services who provided recycling tips for takeout packaging.

CNET

The technology news website that interviewed Walters and published the article.

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What they’re saying

“Proper recycling instead of "wishcycling" can help ensure that as many products as possible truly get recycled rather than getting sent to landfill because of contamination. It can also save labor in the form of sorting and extra work at recycling facilities.”

— Jeremy Walters, Sustainability Ambassador, Republic Services

What’s next

Many cities and areas, including Austin, Texas, have composting programs that can accommodate soiled paper products from takeout, so that's worth exploring as an alternative to recycling.

The takeaway

Taking proper steps to maximize recycling and minimize waste from takeout packaging can be an important part of collectively cutting down on landfill waste and stemming the plastic pollution crisis. It's also better for personal health, as studies show plastic from takeout containers and utensils can leach microplastics into food.