Breeding Plastic Containers: what to do with all that plastic?
This morning I was grabbing a bowl out of the cupboard and knocked over a batch of plastic containers we have stored in the cupboard for left-overs. It appears that we have reached that fine line that is saving for a need and the ‘just in case I need this’ situation.
One of the things that I noticed growing up when my mother would save containers is that she would save a few of various sizes but anything beyond that got pitched. Even though she tried to keep a limit on what she kept for plastic containers they still seemed to breed like bunnies, and had to be sorted every few months.
It appears that we have reached that stage as well and it is time to decide what is needed and used and what is not.
First, I have my limits on how much to keep. The stacks can’t be too tall that I have to pull out the who stack to get to a container. Second, I have to be able to see to the back of the cupboard and view all the containers that I do have. Once one or both of these limits has been reached then it is time to cut down on what I’ve got. At this point I start my separation on what is to go.
First to go are the cracked or severely stained containers. True I could sun-bleach the stains out or even tape up the cracks, but at this stage, I have enough that I don’t NEED to keep them.
Second to go are the ones that have not been used in a while (odd shapes), ones without lids or containers that I have in triplicate already, (butter containers anyone?) or any with warped lids that don’t fit any longer.
Finally, I look over what is left and decide if what I have left is enough to live with. Barring left-overs from a major holiday dinner, it usually is.
Now, in my earnestness to save on waste, I have simply delayed it. Though I have used and reused the containers, I eventually still have to get rid of them somehow.
Here are some ways I have tried to get rid of them:
- Put them up on Freecycle – no takers
- Put them up in ‘Free’ area of craigslist – no takers
- Use them to put items in under the sink
- Use them to take treats to work and not worry about getting the container back
- Use extra lids to put parts on if something needs to be fixed (nuts and bolts don’t roll with a rim)
- They are good for a piggy bank
- Use the lidless ones as scoops
What would you do with the plastic containers?
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Dawn C. is site owner of Frugalforlife.com and is residing in Colorado with her spouse, Teri, of 11 years. Dawn can be reached at Frugalforlife@gmail.com
The problem is that the containers are made of plastic that most areas don’t accept (ie- the number on the recycle symbol for plastic is a number un-recyclable with whatever service you have).
We *try* to not buy food items in plastics re cannot recycle. Its an imperfect world though- and we do find that yogurt and soft margarine are two things we as a family end up buying with non recyclable plastic containers. We use the margarine cups and tops for lunches and trips- only throwing them out once they’ve seen MANY more uses than the manufacturer ever considered. Our main use, though, is in doling out snacks to the kidlets. The margarine container size is just right for a portion of pretzels or grapes.
This made me laugh out loud. I can so relate. I remind myself of my grandmother and all the coffee cans she tried to reuse. Recently, I moved and was forced to throw away the containers that I couldn’t recycle. Now, the stack is back. I am thinking, in order to avoid any future guilt, I should only take out from restaurants that use recyclable containers…Julie for WOW!
I take them to the nearest co-op grocery store – they always have a bin for these containers in the bulk section. Just make sure they’re nicely washed, and people will use and reuse them for ages! Plus, then I don’t feel bad grabbing one when I go to the co-op without my own containers (impulse buying quinoa? It happens… don’t judge).
Lidded Yogurt containers are generally quite usefull…makes freezing just the right amount of Spaghetti Sauce for one serving easy so I can also buy the larger size bottle..thus saving some money on the sauce.
Reality though plastic containers can be used for many things…Starting Seeds is one that should come to everyones mind if you have any inclination to garden.
But then the REAL Reality sets in…you have too many of them and its down to throw them out or stack them high or hope that they are pulled from the same plastics bin you recycle soda bottles and all in.
~ Roland
I think even the cracked and warped containers can still serve some sort of use around the house. Old ones can be moved to the garage to help with storing screws, drill bits, etc. Plastic containers may seem cumbersome at times, but I think they can be very useful for many different jobs.