Can You Recycle Yogurt Containers?

Can You Recycle Yogurt Containers?

Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026

Yes, if they're clean. Rinse out dairy residue and check the resin code. Most #5 polypropylene yogurt pots are now accepted curbside.

Yogurt containers made from polypropylene (PP) can be recycled because this plastic is durable and versatile. Manufacturers often use PP for food packaging like yogurt cups due to its heat resistance. Chemical inertness, and good barrier properties against moisture and gases. Since most yogurt containers have a #5 resin code stamped on the bottom, it's easy to identify them as recyclable.

According to the US EPA, recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,657 us homes in a year.

Why Yogurt Containers Is Easy to Recycle

Yogurt containers are made from polypropylene (PP), which is durable and versatile, making it suitable for recycling programs. The material's heat resistance and chemical inertness make it ideal for food packaging, ensuring that yogurt cups maintain their quality and safety during use.

To recycle yogurt containers properly, start by rinsing them out thoroughly to remove any leftover residue. This step is important because unclean items can contaminate the entire batch at recycling facilities. Once clean, check if your local kerbside collection accepts PP plastics or take them to a drop-off center like TerraCycle in the US or Recycle Now in the UK.

How to Recycle Yogurt Containers Properly

First, rinse out any leftover yogurt and remove lids since they're often made of different materials. Check your local kerbside recycling guidelines; many cities accept PP plastics labeled with a #5 resin code curbside. For those without access, TerraCycle offers specific programs for hard-to-recycle items like yogurt containers in the US.

In the UK, Recycle Now provides detailed guidance on what can be recycled locally and how to do it. yogurt containers also highlight that some supermarkets offer recycling points for plastic pots, tubs, and trays near their checkout areas.

Alternatives to Throwing Yogurt Containers Away

Instead of throwing yogurt containers away, consider reusing them in creative ways around the house. Use them as seedling planters or storage boxes for small items like screws or buttons. In the UK, Terracycle also runs a Zero Waste Box programme that allows individuals and businesses to recycle hard-to-recycle materials by sending them to specialized facilities.

Another option is donating yogurt containers to community gardens or schools where they can be used for composting or as temporary planters until seeds sprout. By finding new uses at home, you reduce waste and extend the life of these items beyond their initial purpose.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.

FAQ

Q: Do all brands use #5 plastic? A: Not necessarily. While many yogurt containers are made from polypropylene (PP), some manufacturers may use other types of plastics like PET or HDPE. Always check for the resin code on the bottom before recycling.

Q: Can I recycle yogurt tubs at work? A: Yes, but it depends on your workplace's recycling program. Many office spaces have kerbside collection services available for their employees. If not, consider using TerraCycle's Zero Waste Box programme to recycle hard-to-recycle items like yogurt containers.

Q: What happens if I don't rinse the container? A: Unwashed containers can contaminate an entire batch of recyclables at recycling facilities, leading to them being sent to landfills instead. Cleaning your yogurt containers before recycling is important for environmental efficiency and effectiveness.

Sources

• US EPA
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• Consumer Technology Association