Disposable Dishes

Wholesale Disposable Dishes: What You Need to Know

While disposable dishes save costs for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, they're an essential investment for operations that can't efficiently reclaim dishes for reuse. Traditional disposable plates and trays are ideal for shared eating areas, while lidded options give carryout guests the ability to take their food home. Whether you run a food truck, fill numerous carryout orders, or need an efficient solution for catering, buying disposable plates in bulk ensures you're ready to serve all potential customers.

Common Questions About Disposable Dishes

What kinds of disposable dishes are available?

• Plates: Serving plates are available in several different sizes and configurations. They range from standard round plates with a 9- or 10-inch diameter, to miniature square plates fewer than 3 inches long and 3 inches wide for small portion sizes. Plates may have sloped edges to keep contents from falling off and may include compartments to separate portions.
• Lids: Some plates and other disposable dishes offer the option to contain food by adding lids. Disposable plates with lids offer portability and are ideal for operations that offer takeout or delivery.
• Trays: Large rectangular serving trays with as many as six compartments for food and flatware are suitable for schools, churches, or other cafeteria-style dining.
• Serving boats and cups: Food truck and event concession stands may choose to serve food in boat-shaped dishes for portability while eating. Small serving cups, sometimes called ramekins, are ideal for serving sides or samples.

What are some common materials for these dishes?

• Bagasse: This durable material comes from the sugarcane plant and is a byproduct of sugar production. In addition to being microwaveable, biodegradable, and compostable, bagasse is generally cheaper than plastic.
• Pinewood: Wooden disposable plates containing pinewood may be made from a mix of pine and poplar. These dishes are microwave and oven safe for as long as 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. They're ideal for bringing an upscale atmosphere to catered events while being fully biodegradable and compostable.
• Bamboo: This lightweight material isn't actually a wood, but a grass. Its strength and natural composition make bamboo disposable plates a more environmentally conscious choice that's biodegradable and compostable.
• Plastic: Plastic dishes may be made of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or other materials and are usually recyclable. Some disposable plastic dishes, such as those made of polypropylene, are heat safe and microwaveable.

Are biodegradable plates the same thing as compostable plates?

Biodegradable materials break down naturally but may still leave behind a residue that's harmful to the environment. Natural materials such as those found in pinewood and bamboo disposable plates don't leave a negative footprint and are therefore also compostable.

Is plastic biodegradable?

The most common plastics used in disposable dishware, including polypropylene and PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) are not biodegradable. Environmentally conscious operations with proximity to plastic recycling facilities may choose to include a designated bin for guests to leave their used, disposable plates.