How Long Can I Re-Use My Plastic Takeout Containers?
Plastic food containers are perfect for stashing leftovers and prepping meals. But how long you can keep using them before they become unsafe? Let’s break down what you need to know to keep your plastic containers safe and effective.
How Long Can You Use A Plastic Container?
According to Janilyn Hutchings, a Certified Profession in Food Safety from State Food Safety, there isn’t an official estimate from a manufacturer on how long those plastic food containers last. Same goes for how many times they can be used before they should be replaced. A better indicator is to keep an eye on the container’s condition.
“Scratches and burn marks create places where pathogens can hide while the container is being washed,” she said. “In other words, if your container is scratched or otherwise damaged, it's harder to get it completely clean and it's better to throw it out. You should also watch out for unusual smells and stains that won't wash out no matter how hard you scrub. Throw away stained or smelly food containers.”
Do Plastic Food Containers Contain PFAs?
Plastic food containers can be a source of microplastics and PFAs (also known as “forever chemicals”). “Current research suggests that exposure to certain PFAs may be harmful to our bodies, but it’s unclear how many PFAs it takes to have an effect,” said Hutchings.
According to a 2023 Environmental Science & Technology study, microplastics are most likely to be released from polypropylene plastic containers when they are heated in the microwave. Hutchings says that it’s important to identify those types of containers by looking for the triangle recycling symbol on the bottom.
How To Clean A Plastic Container
The cleaning method you choose can impact how long your plastic containers last. While dishwashers are convenient, they can also contribute to the wear and tear of plastic over time.
“The nice thing about using a dishwasher is that its high temperature acts as a sanitizer, so the containers are cleaned and sanitized,” said Hutchings. “Unfortunately, the high temperature can also shorten the containers' useful lives. To help them last longer, you can hand wash them, but you'll need to use an alternate method of sanitizing them. Cleaning and sanitizing go hand in hand, and doing one without the other isn't effective at reducing pathogens to safe levels.”
Here’s how to safely wash plastic food containers by hand:
Scrape any remaining food particles into the trash.
Wash the container with soap and water.
Wipe or spray the container with a food-safe sanitizing solution.
Allow the container to air dry.
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