Takeout Containers (Plastic) Put in Garbage Do Not Reuse Plastic takeout containers are made up of chemicals that may leach into your food if you use them more than once. Ways to Reduce Bring Your Own To-Go Container When dining out, bring a reusable to-go container so that you can bring leftovers home sustainably. Did You Know? The Preferred Takeout Container Out of all the types of takeout containers — aluminum, cardboard, wax-lined paperboard, plastic and foam — aluminum is the easiest for recycling plants to recycle, while foam is the most difficult.