The plastic clamshells that have been used by restaurants as take-out containers look recyclable but they are most certainly not.
One of the reasons is the shape, and another is the type of plastic used to make them according to a Myth buster article published by Oregon State University.
(http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/ecologue/2014/01/28/recycling-mythbusters-plastic-recyclables/).
In an attempt to reduce plastic waste by limiting the production of non-recyclable plastic and encouraging re-use of containers, several businesses in Ashland are participating in the new “Rogue to Go” program.
How the program works:
• Get your “Rogue to Go” container at participating locations for an initial investment of $10
• After eating the contents, wash out the container at home gently so you can return it clean
• Exchange your clean “Rogue to Go” container for one provided by the participating restaurant or receive a token to be used for a container at a later date
• You will NOT be using the same container each time but exchanging for another But the container is still plastic, so why is it better than clamshells or other materials? According to the manufacturer (OZZI O2GO©):
• The O2GO© container line is formed with 100% sourced BPA free plastic
• Containers are 100% recyclable (once an O2GO container has become worn down from repeated use, the #5 plastic can be melted down and remade into other recycled material products)
• They are made in the USA
Restaurants participating in the program are:
• Ashland Food Cooperative at 237 N 1st St, Ashland, OR 97520
• Falafel Republic at 1465 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
• Pie and Vine at 358 E Main St, Ashland, OR 97520
• Sesame Asian Kitchen at 21 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR 97520
• Simple Cafe at 249 A St, Ashland, OR 97520
For more information on how plastic affects your health, this article provides a good summary:
https://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/problemswithplastics.htm.
To get involved locally in sustainable practices, you can learn more at Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN):
https://socan.eco/about-us/. For more information on the “Rogue to Go” program, check out:
http://roguetogo.com/ or https://kobi5.com/news/pilot-program-for-reusable-to-go-containers-launches-in-ashland-118902/