Plastic Plates Put in Garbage/Landfill Plastic plates belong in the garbage. They are difficult to sort and cannot be recycled. Use durable/washable plates when possible. If a disposable option is needed, look for one that is fiber-based (paper or bagasse for example). Those can be composted and belong in the organics. Not Suitable for Second Meal Don’t wash and reuse disposable plastic plates. The plastic degrades and becomes unsafe to eat from. Ways to Reduce Choose Reusables Instead Use reusable plates and containers instead of disposable plastic plates. If you don’t have enough plates for a gathering, consider asking a friend or family member to bring an extra set. Reusable Packaging For Businesses Check out Upstream’s catalog of reusable packaging and unpackaging innovators that provide ways for consumers to obtain products, mostly food and beverages, in returnable, reusable, or refillable packaging – or they deliver products to consumers unpackaged altogether. Ways to Reuse Reuse as Saucer for Planters Plastic plates make great saucers for indoor planters. Save for Crafts Use plates for craft time! Here’s a creative way to make wall art with plates.