How do I recycle insulated totes and packaging?

We care about the environment and want to make it easy for you to recycle or reuse our packaging. Here's a quick guide on how to handle each item:

Insulated Reusable Totes

Materials: Our insulated reusable bags are constructed from 238 gsm non-woven polypropylene (100% polypropylene), polyester wadding, and aluminum foil. These materials ensure durability, insulation, and reusability, making them ideal for transporting meals while maintaining temperature integrity. It comes in 3 sizes: small, medium and large.

*Returnable Packaging Program: Simply leave your tote at the front desk or your front door, and our delivery team will collect it on your next delivery. Our totes also double as great reusable shopping or picnic bags—feel free to repurpose them! If your packaging isn’t picked up, please check that ice packs aren’t leaking. Damaged ice packs should be disposed of, but if they are intact, report the issue to our team so we can follow up with your driver.

*Our Returnable Packaging Program is happening in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Seattle, and Atlanta, but only if you receive your order in an insulated bag. The program is coming soon to our Austin market!

Ice Packs

We use two different ice packs depending on your area.

Clear Gel Pack: Filled with a water-based gel and wrapped in recyclable low-density polyethylene (#4).

Brown Gel Pack: The BRiQ Series Gel Pack is a high-performance new Cold Pack designed to reduce Single-Use plastic and landfill tonnage. It features a LEAK-PROOF gel encapsulated in curbside recyclable paper. The gel is certified compostable and is constructed with plant-based components. The Refrigerant Gel will be 100% biodegraded within 28 days of exposure to an aerobic environment.

Returnable Packaging Program: You can return the packs with your next order or keep them for your own use. Just make sure they are not damaged or leaking (for the sake of our driver’s vehicles 🙏).

Disposal: If a gel pack gets damaged, let it thaw completely, dispose of the non-toxic gel in the trash, and recycle the plastic bag. We recommend not pouring the gel down the drain to prevent clogs.

Meal Trays

Materials: Crafted from eco-friendly bagasse (sugar cane fiber pulp) and coated with biodegradable PLA film. The film might detach while heating, but this is not harmful in any way.

Disposal: The meal trays and seals are not recyclable and not compostable. They can be thrown away with other garbage.

Seals: Seals aren't recyclable or compostable, so please toss them in the trash.

Meal Tray Sleeves

Materials: Made from fully bleached fibers from hardwood and softwood.

Recycling: Toss it in the recycle bin! Check with your community to see if paper cartons can be left as-is or if they should be crushed. Then, place the recycling container outside for pick-up on your designated day or drop off your recyclables at a local recycling center.

Containers

Black Lid Container: Made from PET with non-reusable black PET lids.

PET Recycling: These can be recycled where PET materials are accepted. Check with your local recycling program.

Sauce Containers: Made from 100% polypropylene, perfect for reuse.

Reuse or Recycle: These containers are sturdy and great for repurposing. If you choose to recycle, just clean them and put them in the recycling bin.

We hope this guide makes it easier for you to enjoy your meals while also caring for our planet. Thank you for being part of our CookUnity community!