Swapping worn-out plastic containers for glass gives you food storage that lasts for years, does not stain and is easy to see into. You do not have to replace everything at once. A slow, planned switch saves money and keeps usable plastic out of the trash.
Quick answer: To replace Tupperware with glass, sort your plastic containers, retire only the cracked, warped or lidless ones, buy a small set of glass containers in the sizes you use most, and reuse your good plastic for non-food jobs instead of throwing it away.
Why switch to glass storage containers?
Plastic is hard to recycle. The EPA reports that the United States generated 35.7 million tons of plastic in 2018, but only about 8.7 percent was recycled. Landfills received 27 million tons of plastic that year (EPA).
Glass containers can last for many years with care. They do not hold onto tomato stains or food smells, they are easy to clean, and you can see your leftovers at a glance, which helps you eat them before they spoil.
What you need
- A box or bag for sorting your old containers
- A set of glass food storage containers with lids (oven-safe borosilicate or tempered glass)
- A marker or labels for dates
- Your city’s recycling guide
How to replace Tupperware with glass storage containers
- Empty your container cabinet and match every container with its lid.
- Sort into three piles: keep (good shape, lid fits), reuse elsewhere (stained but sturdy), and retire (cracked, warped or missing a lid).
- Count the sizes you actually use each week, such as lunch-size, leftover-size and a few small ones for snacks or sauces.
- Buy a small glass set that matches those sizes. Brands like Pyrex and the glass lines from other major brands come with matching lids. Choosing one brand keeps lids interchangeable.
- Give your sturdy old plastic a second job: organizing screws, art supplies, seeds or bathroom items.
- Check your local rules before recycling the rest. Many recycling programs only accept certain plastic types, so do not toss in items your city cannot take.
- Store glass containers with lids nested or stacked so they are easy to grab.
- Replace remaining plastic only as it wears out.
Tips for using glass safely
- Avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not move a container straight from the freezer to a hot oven, and do not set hot glass on a wet or cold counter.
- Leave room at the top when freezing liquids like soup, since they expand as they freeze.
- Most glass container lids are plastic. Take the lid off before microwaving, or cover the dish loosely, and keep lids out of the oven.
- Let hot food cool a little before sealing it, so steam has room to escape.
Frequently asked questions
Is glass better than plastic for food storage?
Glass does not stain or absorb smells, can often go in the oven, and lasts a long time if it does not break. It is heavier than plastic, so many families keep a few lightweight containers for packed lunches.
Can glass storage containers go in the freezer?
Many can. Check the label, leave space at the top for liquids to expand, and let frozen glass thaw in the fridge before heating it.
What should I do with old Tupperware?
Reuse sturdy containers for storage around the house, donate ones in good shape, and recycle only if your city accepts that type of plastic. Throw away only what is truly broken.
Can I put glass containers in the microwave?
Glass bases are usually microwave-safe, but check the label. Most lids are plastic, so remove them or set them loosely on top.
See your waste impact
Curious how much your household throws away each week? Try our free Household Waste Simulator to see your trash, recycling and compost footprint and which changes cut the most waste.
Related guides
- How to Replace Ziploc Bags with Reusable Silicone Bags
- How to Switch from Plastic Wrap to Beeswax Wraps
- How to Replace Plastic Wrap with Insulated Lunch Bags
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Plastics: Material-Specific Data
Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.
