Standardize plastic containers!

[Marthe48]

I just did my annual sorting of plasticware. I can't believe the variation in shapes, just enough so you can't switch out a lid. And we all know how the lids and bottoms go their own ways, so the cupboard is full of things that don't match. I keep the lids in a basket in the cupboard. This year, I'm recycling anything that doesn't have a matching bottom.

I don't like to toss any of the lids or containers, especially if they are sturdy. Luckily, I don't buy much prepared food, so I don't have the excessive pile some people get. I was so low on plasticware last year, I bought a few, in case I wanted to share food. This year, I have just what I need. But maybe someday, the lids and bottoms will be interchangeable and my stash will take up less room.

[patphil]

1. The lids and bottoms aren't always made of the same material, further complicating recycling efforts.

Some labeling is not friendly to the recycling process. I can't get them off, and some are not made of recyclable materials, or they're classification is unknown.

[Marthe48]

2. I forgot about that part

I read up on it awhile back. Makes it harder to recycle, too.

[The Polack MSgt]

3. If you have a restaurant supply store near you

They will have containers that are standard sizes - the pint and quart tub lids are interchangeable too.
They don't cost much more than the cheap ones at the supermarket and the last longer

[Marthe48]

4. Good idea

Thanks!

I usually reuse the ones that come into the house, try to send them back where they came from, don't usually run short.

[sir pball]

11. You don't even need a store close by, you can buy online

WebstaurantStore is a massive online restaurant supply store that sells everything from $10 packs of parchment paper to $60,000 computer-controlled ovens…and if you don't care about free shipping, there's no membership fee or even account requirement!

Amazon also has quart/pint containers, but I understand some people would rather not patronize them.

[No Vested Interest]

5. I have bought a few containers made of thick glass, with soft plastic lids.

Microwaveable, dishwasher safe, etc. Thus not so many needed and likely easier to clean, store, etc.
Recommend.

[Marthe48]

6. I have those

and for my leftovers at home, I use those. I should say, I have Pyrex bowls, and use either wrap or a dish to cover it.

So many good ideas and alternatives.

[slightlv]

7. The cabinet containing my plasticware is a hazard,

in and of itself! I got through lots of "lost" time, sorting everything... throwing out what isn't complete, throwing away errant lids or bottoms, nesting so it all fits neatly in the cabinet. And NO ONE follows up when they clean and put anything away. It drives me nuts! Once I threw out everything I had, and bought a collection of plasticware that all fit neatly in a small "tub"... but NO ONE puts anything back into the tub, let alone tries to nest anything.

I think "nesting" appliances, dishes, plasticware, etc., is beyond the ken of my poor husband at this point. But I do remember being amazed at how neat and orderly his tools were for years. What's the difference between men's tools and women's tools that men can't nest a group of bowls so they fit inside each other?!

And my grandkids! Ah! It's beyond their understanding, too. I've tried to explain how if they would nest things instead of just throwing it all helter skelter into the cabinet, it wouldn't all come falling down on grandma's head when she opens the cabinet! But nothing ever changes... (sigh)

The cabinet has been awaiting my touch for days now. I admit, I'm just not up to the task. I tried to get a complete bowl with lid the other night and nearly fell completely off the chair I climbed to get to it. I need a complete revamp of the kitchen, with new cabinets, etc., and that's never going to happen because medical takes all the SS money! But, I did dream about perfectly nested bowls one night last week. Old age -- when dreams are better than real life living! (LOL)

[Marthe48]

8. I'm lucky

I don't have 'help' in the kitchen. lol My kitchen was always tidier than my husband's tool storage.

My hazard cupboard is under the counter. I have an original mid-century kitchen. The main workspace is L shaped in the corner and goes back from the cupboard door at least 4 feet, with 2 levels. If things get hectic, I put the things helter-skelter in there. I tidied it today. As I sorted the plastic, I couldn't help noticing the many shapes of the square and rectangular items offer. All in the name of design and copyright I'm sure!

I'll be grateful I can sit on a chair, and not stand on one to reach the job area.

[Phentex]

12. I hate nesting! And my husband would like a word with you

because he, too, cannot understand why I struggle with nesting. I call my space death valley. I probably have too much stuff for the space but ya know some times you need a bowl of a certain size! And I hate having to lift out all the other bowls stacked on top to get that one red bowl I want to use. SO when I empty the sink or dishwasher, I stack a few things and then put a larger one on top and stack on top of that so I'm not constantly digging out from 13 bowls. I can SEE the haphazard bowls tossed in, praying the cabinet door will close.

He'll go through every once in a while and organize the cabinet and then I can't find anything.

[slightlv]

13. Ah... but you can SEE the haphazard bowls! (gryn)

Even on top of a chair, I have trouble with the top shelf. In fact, I've told everyone that anything above head level for me is going to be declared "clean"... including the top of the frig. And it's been amazing how much "lost" stuff my husband has found when I asked him, did you check the frig? (Keys in the freezer one of the toppers for me!) LOL

[Trueblue Texan]

9. I avoid plastic when I can, but...

...if I get stuck with some I can't use to send leftovers home with a guest, I use them to start seeds, contain gardening supplies, or as organizers around the house. It is too frustrating to try to match them up with other plastics.

[EmmaLee E]

10. Keeping lids and containers sorted

Is easy for me - I keep the lids on and store them stacked in the cupboard.
(Must be sure they are completely dry before putting them away.)
Doesn't take as much space as I had thought.
Looks nice, too.

[slightlv]

14. Someone mentioned having a separate container to hold all lids...

I like that idea so much, I'm going to empty the container that is suppose to hold all the "nested" plastic and lids, and use it only for lids of ALL types in that cabinet. Grab a plastic container? Go fish for the lid... but at least they'll all be in one place! Love the idea, whomever came up with it earlier! Thank you!

[Old Crank]

15. I'm slowly switching over to glass

I don't have the room or patience to deal with lots of different containers or sizes. The plastic lids with silicon seals work well but I don't microwave the tops. One drawback is the glass takes up more room in the freezer but allows better visibility of the contents since I'm too lazy to label most things.