Diagram showing three steps labeled C, R, T with arrows connecting the steps.

Is it Compostable, Recyclable or Trash??

Click on the category
of your container to start

To-go container with fried chicken, sweet potato fries, and mixed greens on a dark blue surface
Several small biodegradable pots with plant labels in a garden setting.

CLAMSHELLS

BOWLS/SOUP CUPS

A clear plastic cup filled with a dark brown carbonated beverage and ice cubes, with ice visible on top.

CUPS/LIDS/STRAW

PLATES/TRAYS

Bento box with three compartments: cooked beef with onions and carrots, kimchi, and a serving of white rice, on a rustic wooden surface.
To-go box with fried chicken, rice, and green herbs, with side of sweet potato fries and additional food containers in the background.
Open pizza delivery box with one slice of pepperoni pizza inside

CARTON/BOX

PIZZA BOX

Clear plastic container filled with red salsa on a wooden surface
A set of biodegradable plastic spoon, fork, and knife.

CONDIMENT CUP/PACKETS

UTENSILS/ CHOPSTICKS

A roast beef sandwich with cheese on a hoagie bun, partially wrapped in foil.
A brown paper shopping bag with handles resting on a doormat in front of a glass door.

FOIL/PLASTIC WRAP

BAG/NAPKINS

RAFFLE EXPIRED

DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

This Green Take-Out pilot program helps Beverly restaurants, cafes, and breweries reduce their use of single use plastic and Styrofoam - this reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from our landfills.

They’ve invested in using compostable containers.🎉🎉 We’re here to help you identify and compost them.

Why is keeping compostable containers (and food scraps) out of the trash so important?

In a landfill they produce potent gases that impact our climate

(primarily methane which is 28-36 times more potent than CO2)

Is it Compostable, Recyclable or Trash??

Diagram illustrating 3 steps for waste sorting: compostable, recyclable, and trash. Green circle labeled 'C' for compostable, blue circle labeled 'R' for recyclable, black circle labeled 'T' for trash, with descriptions below each.

identify & sort your containers, then click:

DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

CLAMSHELLS (hinged container)

Collection of certification logos for compostable products, including 'Compost Approved,' 'Compostable in Industrial Facilities,' 'OK Compost,' 'OK Compost Industrial,' and other eco-friendly symbols.

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
Any clamshell that has the following symbol on it is compostable (WITH FOOD SCRAPS OK):

If “Compostable” embossed on a clear plastic-looking clamshell, it is compostable.

Also compostable, If it DOES NOT have a symbol, looks like this and comes from Delphine’s Kitchen:

Takeout container with fried chicken, sweet potato fries, and fresh greens on a dark blue surface.
A rectangular, cream-colored plaster cast with multiple molded compartments for holding and organizing objects, possibly used as a jewelry or small item organizer.
clear plastic clambshell

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
Empty clear or white plastic (but not styrofoam) is recyclable. (REMOVE ALL FOOD)
Common example:

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash. Common examples:

  • plastic lids

  • black plastic

  • styrofoam

Close-up of a closed black plastic food container with a clear lid
White styrofoam lunch container with hinged lid, divided into sections, placed on a wooden surface.
FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

BOWLS/SOUP CUPS

Collection of certification logos for compostable and eco-friendly products, including Composting Alliance, BPI, TÜV Austria, and OK compost labels.

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
Any bowl that has the following symbol on it is compostable (WITH FOOD SCRAPS OK):

If “Compostable” embossed on a clear plastic-looking bowl, it is compostable.

Also compostable, If it DOES NOT have a symbol, looks like this and comes from Backbeat Brewery or Delphine’s Kitchen:

Fresh mixed salad in a clear plastic bowl with cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and leafy greens.
Four plant pots with beige lids, labeled 'NoTree,' stacked in a garden setting.
A smoothie bowl topped with granola, raspberries, blackberries, and chia seeds, in a white bowl with a matching lid nearby.

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash. Common examples:

  • plastic lids

  • black plastic

  • styrofoam

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
All empty clear or white plastic containers (but not styrofoam) is recyclable. (REMOVE ALL FOOD OR LIQUID)

FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

CUPS/LIDS/STRAWS

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
Any cup, lid or straw that has the following symbol on it is compostable (WITH FOOD SCRAPS OK):

Collection of certification logos and labels for compostability and environmental standards, including Approved Compost, Industrial Compostable, OK Compost, and TÜV Austria, with green and white color schemes and plant imagery.

If “Compostable” embossed on a clear plastic-looking cup, it is compostable.

Also compostable, If it DOES NOT have a symbol, looks like this and comes from Beantrust Coffeebar, Kid Dream or Delphine’s Kitchen (ALL RESTAURANTS HAVE THE BLUE STRAWS):

A plastic cup filled with dark iced soda and ice cubes, sitting on a light wooden surface.
Clear glass plate with a decorative swirl pattern in the center.
A beige biodegradable cup with a blue and orange NoTree logo.
EcoChoice paper cup with green logo on brown paper exterior and white interior.
Multiple reusable drinking straws in plastic packaging with one straw outside the package.
Six white straw wrappers with green text on a wooden surface.

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash. Common examples:

  • clear/opaque plastic lids

  • plastic straws

  • styrofoam cup

  • opaque plastic cup

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
Empty clear plastic cup is recyclable. (REMOVE ALL LIQUID, FOOD AND ICE)

FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

PLATES/TRAYS

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
Any plate or tray that has the following symbol on it is compostable (WITH FOOD SCRAPS OK):

Collection of certification labels for compostable products, including logos from Compostable in Industrial Facilities and BPI, with icons and text indicating OK compost for home and industrial use, TÜV Austria certification, and an illustration of a sprouting plant.

If “Compostable” embossed on a clear plastic-looking plate/tray, it is compostable.

Also compostable, If it DOES NOT have a symbol, looks like this and comes from Delphine’s Kitchen or Super Sub Shop:

A divided tray with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, and a serving of meat with gravy being eaten with a fork.
Empty beige plastic food container or tray

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
Empty clear or white plastic (but not styrofoam) is recyclable. (REMOVE ALL FOOD)

Empty tin tray is recyclable (REMOVE ALL FOOD)

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash. Common examples:

  • plastic lids

  • all black plastic

  • styrofoam

FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

CARTON/BOX

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
Any carton that has the following symbol on it is compostable (WITH FOOD SCRAPS OK):

Collection of compost certification logos, including 'Compost Approved', 'Compostable in Industrial Facilities', 'OK Compost Home', 'OK Compost Industrial', and related symbols.

If “Compostable” embossed on a clear plastic-looking carton, it is compostable.

If it DOES NOT have a symbol, does it look like this?

Takeout fried chicken with green herbs in a white paper box, with side dishes of fries in a cup and more food containers on a wooden table.

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
Empty clear or white plastic (but not styrofoam) is recyclable. (REMOVE ALL FOOD OR LIQUID)

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash.

FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

PIZZA BOX

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
Any pizza box/container that has the following symbol on it is compostable (WITH FOOD SCRAPS OK):

Collection of compost and sustainability certification logos, including 'Compost Approved,' 'Compostable in Industrial Facilities,' and 'OK Compost,' as well as TÜV Austria and BPI certification labels for home and industrial composting.

Also compostable, If it DOES NOT have a symbol and looks like this:

Plate with a partially sliced cheese, tomato, and arugula pizza.

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
Empty box is recyclable. (REMOVE ALL FOOD, GREASE IS OK)
Example:

A cardboard pizza box with one slice of pepperoni pizza inside.

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash. Common examples:

  • small 3-prong plastic separator

  • parchment paper liner

  • soiled aluminum foil

FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

CONDIMENT CUPS/PACKETS

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
Any condiment cup that has the following symbol on it is compostable (WITH FOOD SCRAPS OK):

Collection of compost and recycling certification logos, including 'Composter Approved,' 'Compostable in Industrial Facilities,' 'OK Compost,' and 'OK Compost HOME,' with additional labels from TÜV Austria for industrial and home composting.

If “Compostable” embossed on a clear plastic-looking condiment cup, it is compostable.

Also compostable, If it DOES NOT have a symbol, looks like this and comes from Delphine’s Kitchen:

Photo of a plain, beige paper bowl.
Container of chopped tomatoes with green herbs

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash. Common example:

  • condiment size plastic cups and lids

  • packets

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
None (too small)

A collection of condiment packets, including Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise, Gulden's Spicy Brown Mustard, Cholula Hot Sauce, Heinz Tomato Ketchup, and two Holandeli sugar packets.
FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

UTENSILS / CHOPSTICKS

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
Any utensil that has the following symbol on them is compostable:

Collection of certification logos related to composting, including 'Composter Approved,' 'Compostable in Industrial Facilities,' and 'OK compost' for home and industrial use, with symbols of green leaves and arrows.

Also compostable, If it DOES NOT have a symbol, looks like this and comes from Backbeat Brewery, Delphine’s Kitchen, Kid Dream or OTTO:

A set of disposable beige plastic spoon, fork, and knife.
A pair of wooden chopsticks resting on red paper fortune cookie strips.
A white plastic spoon, a white plastic knife, and a white plastic fork on a white background.

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
none

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash. Common example:

  • plastic cutlery

  • plastic chopsticks

FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

FOIL/PLASTIC WRAP

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?

none

A crumpled ball of aluminum foil on a white background.

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
Crumpled, clean aluminum foil (NO GREASE OR FOOD)

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash. Common example:

  • paper lined foil

  • plastic wrap

  • soiled aluminum foil

Sous vide sandwich wrapped in aluminum foil with sliced roast beef, cheese, and a sandwich bun.
FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

BAG / NAPKINS

1st - IS IT COMPOSTABLE?
New and soiled paper napkins are compostable (as long as they DO NOT CONTAIN any cleaning products or chemicals.)

2nd - IS IT RECYCLABLE?
Empty paper bag is recyclable.

There are also plastic bag drop-offs at grocery stores (DO NOT PUT PLASTIC BAGS IN CURBSIDE PICKUP BIN).

A brown paper shopping bag with twisted paper handles standing in front of a glass door, on a black doormat outside a house.
A green recycling bin labeled 'RECYLCE YOUR PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS HERE' with plastic grocery bags overflowing from the top.

3nd - IS IT TRASH?
If neither compostable nor recycling, it’s trash.

FIND THE NEXT CONTAINER
DONE IDENTIFYING? END HERE

Thank you!

Your action is supporting a greener, cleaner Northshore

Green sign with white text asking 'Where/How to compost??' and a note '(if it's new to you)' beneath.
Sign encouraging visitors to scan every time, explaining they receive a postcard, with a note about tracking visits for a Pilot Program.
Green background with white text that says, 'did you know... 80% of what we send to landfills can either be composted or recycled.'
A sign with the message: "Amplify Your Impact when you're out ask if they use compostable containers" with the first line in green and the rest in black.
Green star approved seal for business windows, with text instructing to look for the Green Star approved seal in business windows.
Green background with white text that reads, "Wondering if something is recyclable? LOOK IT UP HERE."

Green Take-Out Pilot Program
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS