Insulated Tote bag. Did you know? As of February 2026, our Returnable Packaging Program has diverted over 3.1 million insulated bags from the waste stream!
What is this tote made of?
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. They come in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
How can I recycle it?
Our insulated tote bag is made from layered materials that help maintain food safety and temperature, which means it is not recyclable through standard programs.
If you have an active CookUnity account and receive your deliveries in one of these bags, you’re eligible for our Returnable Packaging Program, no matter which city you’re in. Just leave the bag at your front desk or doorstep on your next delivery day, and our delivery personnel will take care of the rest.
What happens when I return the tote bag?
Returned bags are professionally cleaned and sanitized by Dispatch Goods, using Ecolab industrial detergents, ozone treatment, and monthly lab testing to ensure food-safe reuse—similar to hotel linen cleaning standards.
If your account is canceled and you’re no longer receiving deliveries, we won’t be able to retrieve the bag.
The good news is you can give yours a second life! 💚 These bags are super durable and great for reusing!
They’re perfect for grocery runs, picnics, a great gift to a friend, or even a creative storage solution at home.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can also donate your bag to our partner Project Ropa by emailing donate@projectropa.org → Only clean, undamaged Medium and Small bags will be accepted. We’re also exploring ways to expand donation options in other cities soon!
Insulated Box
What is my box made of?
Our boxes are made of corrugated cardboard.
How can I recycle it?
The box can be recycled with other paper products or directly alongside cardboard products. Unfortunately, our boxed deliveries are not part of our Returnable Packaging Program.
Insulated Box Liners
What are liners made of?
Liners are made of 90% paper and cornstarch, plus non-toxic additives that support insulation and food safety during transit.
How can I recycle it?
In your home recycling bin, along with the cardboard shipping box in which they arrived.
Gel Ice Packs. Did you know? As of February 2026, our Returnable Packaging Program has helped divert over 367,000 freezer packs from the waste stream—thanks to customers like you returning them after each delivery. Not all ice packs are returnable—please check below to see if yours qualifies.
Pelton Shepherd Ice Pack
What is it made of?
This ice pack has a durable plastic outer shell filled with Glacier Ice™ gel, made from 99.5% water and a non-toxic, non-caustic refrigerant.
How can I recycle or dispose of it?
If you’re part of our Returnable Packaging Program (i.e., you receive deliveries in a reusable insulated tote bag), you can return this ice pack along with your bag on your next delivery day—as long as it’s not damaged or leaking. Leaking ice packs will not be picked up.
To dispose of it at home, please cut it open, discard the gel in the trash (never down the drain), and recycle the outer plastic with soft plastics—if accepted locally. If not, place the plastic shell in your regular waste.
IPC Ice Pack
What is it made of?
This pack has a flexible plastic outer shell filled with a non-toxic gel refrigerant. It’s durable enough to be reused a few times and is part of our returnable packaging program in select markets.
How can I recycle or dispose of it?
If you’re part of our Returnable Packaging Program (you receive deliveries in a reusable insulated tote bag), you can return this ice pack along with your bag on your next delivery day—as long as the pack is intact and not leaking. Damaged packs will not be collected.
To dispose of it at home, cut it open, discard the gel in the trash (never down the drain), and recycle the outer plastic with soft plastics—if accepted locally. If not, place the plastic shell in your regular waste.
Fidelity Paper Ice Pack
What is it made of?
This ice pack features a paper-based exterior filled with a non-toxic gel refrigerant.
How can I recycle or dispose of it?
If you’re part of our Returnable Packaging Program (i.e., you receive your deliveries in a reusable insulated tote bag), you can return this ice pack along with your bag on your next delivery day—as long as it’s not leaking or damaged. Leaking packs will not be collected.
To dispose of it at home, cut it open, discard the gel in the trash (never down the drain), and recycle the paper exterior.
Fidelity Ice Pack – Crystal/Clear
What is it made of?
This ice pack consists of a clear plastic pouch filled with a non-toxic gel refrigerant.
How can I recycle or dispose of it?
This ice pack is single-use only and not part of our returnable packaging program.
To dispose of it at home, cut it open, discard the gel in the trash (never down the drain), and recycle the plastic pouch with soft plastics—if accepted locally. If not, place the plastic shell in your regular waste.
Nordic Ice Pack (Minus Works)
What is it made of?
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.
How can I recycle or dispose of it?
This ice pack is single-use only and not part of our returnable packaging program.
To dispose of it at home, separate the paper from the gel and recycle it at the curb with paper or corrugated material. If you have access to an industrial composting facility, you can compost the gel refrigerant; otherwise, it should go in the regular trash. We don’t recommend pouring the gel down the drain or toilet—it may cause clogs.
CRYOPAK Ice pack
What is it made of?
This ice pack contains a gel made from water and sodium polyacrylate, encapsulated in a 4 mil Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) pouch, also known as Recycle Code #4.
How can I recycle or dispose of it?
These ice packs can be reused at home to keep items cold — feel free to store them in your freezer for future use.
If you wish to dispose of it, cut open the pack, discard the gel in the trash (never down the drain), and recycle the plastic pouch where Recycle Code #4 (LLDPE/LDPE) soft plastics are accepted.
Meal Tray
What are meal trays made of?
The meal tray is bagasse, or sugar cane fiber pulp, laminated in PET film. Under prolonged high heat, the inner film may loosen – this is normal and does not affect the quality of your meal. Meals are also sealed with a food-safe PET-based film to help maintain freshness during delivery and storage.
How can I recycle it?
Once you’ve finished your meal, clean the tray and remove the inner film. The pulp tray can then be recycled with other fibrous materials such as paper, paperboard, and corrugated cardboard, depending on your local recycling program. The films should be appropriately discarded according to your local waste and recycling guidelines.
Size: Most meal trays follow a fairly standard format across the industry, and ours are no exception. CookUnity trays measure approximately 8.5” x 6.5” x 1.5”—ideal for individual portions.
Meal Sleeves
What are meal sleeves made of?
Our meal tray sleeves are made of fully bleached fibers from hardwood and softwood.
How do I recycle them?
Meal sleeves are 100% recyclable with paper and cardboard. Check with your local recycling program to see if they should be flattened or left as-is, then place them in your recycling bin or drop them off at a nearby recycling center.
Food Container - Black Lid
What are black lid containers made of?
Both the container and the lid are made of polypropylene (PP). Some customers choose to reuse them for storage or reheating. If reused, we recommend washing thoroughly and discarding it if it becomes scratched or worn.
How can I recycle it?
Polypropylene (PP) is widely accepted in curbside recycling programs. Be sure to rinse both the lid and container before recycling. As always, check with your local provider for confirmation.
Sauce Containers
What are sauce containers made of?
The cup is made of polypropylene (PP), and the lid is made of PET. These are safe for food use and can be rinsed and reused; the lid may only be suitable for limited reuse due to its lightweight structure. They should be discarded if scratched or weakened.
How can I recycle them?
If your local recycling program accepts PP and PET plastics, you can rinse and recycle them accordingly.
Pizza Box
What is it made of?
Our pizza boxes are made of virgin, not recycled, corrugated cardboard. They are 100% recyclable and qualified for food safety and direct food contact.
Where does it go?
The box can be recycled with paper and cardboard. Before recycling, remove any food residue and the plastic inner bag.
What about the plastic bag inside?
The inner bag is a recyclable plastic liner used to protect the pizza. You can recycle it where soft plastics or plastic bags are accepted—check your local recycling program for details.
Comments
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.