Fiber containers can go directly in the oven or microwave for reheating. They are oven safe to approximately 400 degrees. Note: they may burn if in close proximity to the heating element. The middle rack of a standard oven is best.

If you compost: the fiber containers are compostable. If you have commercial or municipal composting available (e.g. the “green bin” in Denver), the containers can go directly into this kind of compost system along with any food. If you compost at home, they can go into your compost pile or system so long as they are without meat or dairy.

If you do not compost: the fiber containers go in the trash. They are not recyclable! They are made from plant fibers not compatible with standard mixed paper recycling.

Don’t put these in the oven: They will melt! As per the instructions provided for each meal, remove the contents of the plastic container and heat them in an oven-safe or stovetop-safe pan or tray.

Microwave: These containers are marketed as microwave-safe. They are plastic #5 “PP”, aka polypropylene. PP is more stable at high temperatures than other plastics and many people microwave these without a second thought. However, personally, we avoid heating plastic that is in contact with food. If in doubt, we recommend following the reheating advice above.

If you recycle: All of these containers can be recycled in commercial or municipal recycling systems if you follow one rule - plastics need to be reasonably clean to be recycled. So first rinse out the containers. If a container is oily and not easily rinsed clean, you could wash it with your other dishes in the dishwasher, then recycle it. Otherwise, put the oily container in the trash.

If you don’t recycle: Wash and reuse the containers, or let us know if you want them picked up and we can recycle them for you (after you wash them). Otherwise, put them in the trash.

So are we! We plan to initiate a pilot program using reusable containers possibly in 2022, depending. If you would like to learn more, or want to participate in the program as we determine its viability, email Chris at chris@thespicyradish.com.