Paper Take-out Boxes

  • DON’T put these boxes into recycling
  • DON’T compost them unless you verify they are safe for home composting
  • DO consider reusable take-out containers (see below)

About These Items

Some local restaurants and grocers provide kraft paper take-out containers which are typical brown. Although they may seem great for recycling these paper containers are not accepted by the City of Pittsburgh’s curbside recycling program. Since they are typically used for food, they are often contaminated with grease or other foodstuffs and the plastic coating used inside the container causes issues when the paper is being processed for recycling. Some coatings may also release unsafe toxins when heated during the recycling process.

Better than Plastic?

Despite not being recyclable, these paper boxes do have some environmental advantages over the usual plastic or styrofoam alternatives– they are often made of a high percentage of recycled paper and they will breakdown faster in the environment. However, the plastic coating used inside means when these boxes do biodegrade, they can leave behind plastic that enters the soil and water. If you are considering composting one of these boxes, make sure you look into the type of coating it uses and if it is safe for composting.

Consider bringing your own take-out container.

There are no disposable take-out containers that are accepted by the city’s recycling program. If you eat out regularly, consider keeping a take-out kit in your car or bag. There are lots of convenient, lightweight, collapsible options available.

Be aware that due to food safety regulations restaurants can’t take your container back to their kitchen or behind their food counter to fill your re-usable container, but you can always fill your box yourself once your food is at your table. (Bonus-tip: If you do quick-serve, ask for your food “for here” and then pack it up in your reusable container to-go)

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