Can you recycle ice cream tubs & takeaway boxes?
Clean rigid tubs recycle with pots-tubs-trays; greasy ones and foam boxes are general waste.
Rigid plastic ice cream tubs and takeaway containers (PP) recycle in pots-tubs-trays collections once washed. Foil takeaway trays recycle with metals if wiped clean. Foam (EPS) boxes are always general waste. Grease is the deal-breaker — when you can't get it clean, bin it.
Tips
- Takeaway tubs are the free Tupperware everyone actually uses
Which bin does it go in?
Clean rigid tubs recycle with pots-tubs-trays; greasy ones and foam boxes are general waste. Exact rules depend on your council — check its website or look up your postcode below.
Councils can use different containers and accepted-item lists.
Background: Recycling symbols explained.
Also searched as: takeaway containers, ice cream tubs, foil trays takeaway.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?