Takeout Tips: Reducing Waste with Takeout and Delivery

With many restaurants across the country moving to takeout only due to COVID-19, we wanted to provide some tips to reduce the amount of waste generated from takeout orders. 

Takeout Tip #1 - Ask for no napkins

When ordering takeout, simply ask for no napkins to be included in your to-go order. Instead, opt for cloth napkins that are endlessly reusable. You can either buy cloth napkins or sew your own out of fabric you have laying around the house!

Takeout Tip #2 - Ask for no plates

Our second tip to reduce the amount of waste you receive from ordering takeout is to ask for no paper or plastic plates to be included in your to-go bag. By using the reusable plates you have at home, you're reducing your own waste while saving the restaurant money by not having to buy as many single-use plates. Win - Win!

Takeout Tip #3 - Use your silverware from home

Our third takeout tip is to ask for no cutlery and to use the silverware that you have at home. Although some restaurants don't include cutlery in takeout or delivery orders, some still do. By simply requesting no cutlery to be included within your order, you are helping to make sure that you are reducing the amount of waste you might receive while getting takeout. This can also help restaurants consider including cutlery only by request, which could cut down waste for many more diners in the future! 

Takeout Tip #4 - Ask for only the condiments you need 

When ordering takeout, ask for only the condiments and sauces that you need, and specify which you don't need, when possible. This way, you're reducing the amount of waste generated from plastic ketchup packages or soy sauce that comes in small plastic containers. By asking for only the extras you need, you’ll reduce waste and you won't end up with a drawer full of parmesan packets from all that pizza delivery!

Takeout Tip #5 - Check the PlasticScore App

Before ordering takeout, check the PlasticScore of the restaurant on the PlasticScore App! PlasticScore is a zero-waste rating app for restaurants. We crowdsource observations from diners to develop a rating from one to five turtles based on the restaurant's waste. Checking the PlasticScore of the restaurants before ordering takeout helps users know if they’ll get styrofoam & plastic or reusables and more sustainable practices.

Takeout Tip #6 - Ask for no bag 

Our last takeout tip is to ask for no bag or to bag everything in as few bags as possible. This reduces the amount of waste that you’ll receive while saving the restaurant money as well.