Takeout Containers (Cardboard) Compost (Yard Trimmings) Cart Do the Scratch Test Wax coated takeout boxes are composted. To identify a wax coated box, scratch the cardboard and see if the wax comes off. If the wax comes off, throw it in the compost bin. No Grease or Food Cardboard takeout containers cannot be recycled with other cardboard if they are contaminated with food or grease. Food traces can contaminate the recycling process. Alternatively, you can tear off the soiled portions and recycle the rest. Did You Know? The Preferred Takeout Container Out of all the types of takeout containers — aluminum, cardboard, plastic and foam — aluminum is the easiest for recycling plants to recycle, while foam is the most difficult.
