With the rise of technology and the expansion of food delivery services, it’s easier than ever to order food from our favorite restaurants. Many people rely on apps like Swiggy and Zomato to order from a variety of eateries, whether for hosting a gathering or satisfying late-night cravings. With just a few taps, food is delivered right to our homes. However, one common mistake is often made when dealing with restaurant leftovers.
Most food delivered to us comes in plastic disposable containers. Many people either eat directly from these or transfer the food to plates. But what do you do with the leftover food? If you’re simply tossing the box with the food still inside into the trash, you’re making a big mistake.
Two digital creators on Instagram (@thejordindian) highlighted this issue in a video that has since gone viral, racking up over a million views. In the video, the creators hide a plastic box of “two days old food” in a paper bag and ask several people to “guess the smell.” The unsuspecting participants are disgusted by the smell and describe it as “death,” “dirty armpits,” “vomit,” “diarrhoea,” and “highway toilets.” The creators explain that this is what happens when food is not cleaned out before disposing of the container.
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The Correct Way to Dispose of Leftover Food Boxes:
Before throwing away plastic containers, it’s essential to remove all leftover food and clean the box. After washing and drying it, you can then place it in the dry waste bin. The video emphasizes that if leftover food or curry is left inside the container and tossed in the trash, it will not be recycled and will end up in a landfill, posing health risks for waste pickers.
Many viewers praised the video for its helpful waste management advice. Here are a few comments:
“Love the initiative! Wouldn’t generally think about doing this,” one Instagram user commented. Another added, “I didn’t know this. Definitely going to bring this change.”
A viewer noted, “Waste management should be integrated into our education system so that the next generation develops a sense of responsible usage.” One person humorously wrote, “We wash it and reuse it again, no recycling. My grandma will kill me if I throw a dabba in the bin.”
Next time you’re disposing of a plastic food container, follow this simple tip. These small waste management habits can significantly benefit the environment.