How Can I Reuse Plastic Yogurt Containers? Good Question

How Can I Reuse Plastic Yogurt Containers?
Good Question

Q: So, I live in a place where only type 1 and 2 plastics can be recycled, and yogurt almost always come in type 5 containers. Do you know of any creative uses for them?

Sent by Kyle

Editor: Kyle, we have a few ideas! Check out this post from The Kitchn for more:

• Quick Tip: 5 Ways To Reuse Yogurt Containers

A few recommended ideas in this post include using them as freezer containers, bulk bin containers, spice storage, to-go containers to send home leftovers with friends, and container garden uses. However, due to the fact that plastic breaks down, we'd hesitate using them for long term food storage, and of course, never heat food in them.

A better idea perhaps is to recycle them. How, you ask? Through Preserve's Gimme 5 Recycling Program. Choose from a list of participating retail locations that accept drop off, or mail them back to Preserve.

But perhaps our favorite idea is to make yogurt yourself at home, thus eliminating the plastic containers altogether. Check out this How-To post for instructions. It's surprisingly easy!

Other ideas for Kyle?

>> Have a good question? Email us!

(Image: Emma Christensen for The Kitchn)

Comments (10)

Well, I currently have one serving as holder for my kitchenware - serving spoons, peeler, chopping knives, etc

And I use another one to hold stuff before going to compose. This way I don't have to walk outside in the freezing cold everyday just to use the composing bin =)

Maybe using it for a small potted plant, if you cut some holes in the bottom, would also be an ideia.

posted by BubblesJo on February 2nd 2010 at 1:52pm
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When I was younger, we used them for art projects. In kindergarten, they were used to hold paint for our latest projects and other crafts or to clean paint brushes. Try getting in touch with a local teacher or day care. I am sure they will be able to come up with a creative use. If you can't recycle, re-use

posted by adam25 on February 2nd 2010 at 1:53pm
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I've gotten rid of my yogurt containers and oatmeal cylinders through my local Freecycle group. Right now, I'm saving them up for an Art teacher. I also have a contact for our hole-y jeans. Does anyone out there have a good idea for plastic prescription bottles?

posted by smellofsawdust on February 2nd 2010 at 2:03pm
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Oops! I just did a Re-Nest search for "prescription bottles" and found some solutions!

posted by smellofsawdust on February 2nd 2010 at 2:05pm
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Some Whole Foods stores accept #5 plastics. And you can always check Earth911.org to see what your other local options are.

posted by JenontheEdge on February 2nd 2010 at 2:10pm
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Give them to an art class!

posted by sagekitten85 on February 2nd 2010 at 2:36pm
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I use mine to store pantry goods, and leftovers that don't need re-heating. I have friends who use a large container to hold their compost goodies before they go outside. I've also used mine to start seeds.

posted by Renai Marie on February 2nd 2010 at 3:27pm
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Seedling containers! Poke a few holes in the bottoms and fill with potting mix and a seed. They are a great size for seedlings before they get transferred to the outside garden.

posted by mudbug on February 2nd 2010 at 4:02pm
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How about using them to freeze and store handy-sizes of homemade chicken stock?

I use the large yogurt containers to decant paint into for house painting projects, and its always nice to have a few around to send home full of leftovers when we have guests over for dinner.

posted by juliet_nicole on February 2nd 2010 at 7:03pm
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I use the larger ones with lids to store used batteries until I have enough to bring somewhere to recycle.

posted by MerryMelissa on February 2nd 2010 at 9:10pm
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