Eco & Recyclable Party Tableware

You can lay a full party table and still keep the plastic out of it. Compostable and recyclable tableware has come a long way, and the sturdy options now hold a hot buffet just as well as plastic did. Here is what to choose and how to dispose of it properly.

What to choose instead of plastic

Sturdy bagasse and palm-leaf plates with wooden cutlery replace the plastic.

Bagasse plates and bowls. Made from sugarcane fibre, these are sturdy, microwave-safe and hold hot, oily food without going soggy. The best all-round plastic replacement.
Palm-leaf plates. Pressed from fallen palm leaves, strong and smart-looking for grazing tables and weddings.
Kraft and paper plates. Great for cold food, cake and finger buffets, and fully recyclable.
Wooden cutlery. Birch forks, knives and spoons that compost with the food waste.
Paper straws and cups. Choose paper or plant-based lined cups over plastic-coated ones so they can be composted.
Paper tablecovers over plastic, so the biggest single item on the table is recyclable.

Dispose of it the right way

Eco tableware only helps if it goes in the right bin. Compostable plates and cutlery need a food or garden waste stream to break down properly, so scrape off leftovers and compost them together where you can. Clean paper plates and covers go in recycling. Check your local council rules, because kerbside composting is not available everywhere, and a compostable plate in general waste behaves much like any other. Buying only what you need, using the per-guest rule, is the simplest way to cut waste in the first place.

Frequently asked questions

Are compostable plates strong enough for hot food?

Yes. Bagasse (sugarcane) and palm-leaf plates handle hot, saucy and oily food without buckling, and bagasse is microwave-safe. They are the closest match to sturdy plastic plates.

Can I put eco tableware in normal recycling?

Clean paper and kraft items usually can. Compostable bagasse, palm leaf and wooden cutlery need a food or garden waste stream to break down, so they are best composted rather than put in kerbside recycling. Always check your council's rules.

Go plastic-free with biodegradable party supplies and wooden cutlery. For serving, browse eco-friendly catering supplies.

More in the Party Tableware guide