Bring a container or use a return scheme for takeaway

Takeaway containers are the heaviest single-use plastic most people handle; returnable-container schemes reach payback in three to four years for venues.

Swap out

Single-use takeaway containers

Swap in

Your own container or a returnable scheme

Impact

4 / 5

Cost

1 / 3

Effort

2 / 3

Grams of plastic avoided per person per year

1000

Evidence link

zerowasteeurope.eu/library/the-economics-of-reuse-systems/

Watch out for

Reusable containers take more material to make, so they only beat single-use when nearly all come back: schemes need very high return rates. Uncertified fibre boxes may contain PFAS, the 'forever chemicals'.

Ask your local takeaway to fill your own container, or use a returnable-container scheme if your city has one. Choose venues that use certified compostable or fibre packaging as a fallback.

A plastic takeaway container weighs around 20 g; one a week avoided is about 1 kg a year. Zero Waste Europe's 2023 economics study found reusable takeaway containers reach return on investment for operators in years three to four, provided return rates are high.

The catch: some venues refuse customer containers on hygiene grounds, and compostable fibre boxes may be PFAS-treated unless certified; ask.

Page updated 24 September 2026. How we check sources