Yes, old Tupperware can be worth money, especially specific vintage items like hourglass shakers, Servalier sets, Wonderlier bowls, and unique Canister sets, driven by nostalgia, durable design, and rare colors (like avocado green or harvest yellow) that appeal to collectors on sites like eBay and Etsy. While you won't get rich, certain rare pieces can fetch tens or even over a hundred dollars due to their retro appeal and quality, so checking for stamps and unique designs is worthwhile.
If it's more than 11 years old: If the Tupperware you have at home is excessively old, you should replace it not only because it may have deep scratches from constant use where bacteria can get trapped, but also because it's probably made of bisphenol-A (BPA), a potentially harmful chemical.
From measuring cups to serving bowls to children's toys, buyers on eBay will pay more than you might expect for these plastic items from yesteryear (yes, even if you've lost the lid). If you think you can earn extra cash from selling your old Tupperware, here are some of the items going for top dollar on eBay.
Any type of Tupperware made before March 2010 should just be for decoration. Up until 2010, the containers were made with a chemical called BPA (bisphenol-A). The European Union banned BPAs in 2024, but it's still used in the U.S., though with restrictions and government oversight.
Tupperware® Independent Consultants earn 25% commission on the sale of most products, plus they have several opportunities to earn additional bonuses and awards through hard work and personal effort.
A judge's order filed Nov. 24 approved the sale of Tupperware's assets to Party Products LLC. The company is comprised of the Ad Hoc Group lenders – such as Stonehill Capital Management LLC of New York and Alden Global Capital LLC of West Palm Beach – that in recent months battled with Tupperware for ownership.
Genuine Tupperware typically has the Tupperware wordmark stamped or molded into the base and often into the lid as well. Many authentic pieces include a product or mold number on the underside, which fakes frequently omit or crudely copy.
Though no one is likely to become a millionaire from selling old Tupperware containers (the pieces aren't going for hundreds of dollars like vintage Pyrex dishes), select sets from the pastel-hued Wonderlier line or the Servalier line (which features bolder opaque tones) could certainly net the seller a few hundred ...
There are a few clues you might have vintage Tupperware:
Old Tupperware should be thrown out if it shows signs of damage, has persistent stains and odours, is made with BPA, or is no longer functional. Containers with cracks, chips, scratches, or warping, can harbour bacteria and may leach chemicals into food.
The Bowl That Started it All In 1946 Earl Tupper developed the first Tupperware product, the Wonderlier Bowl, inspired by the tight seal design of paint can lids. These classic bowls are still a favourite!
There's no standard rule of thumb about when it's time to throw out your plastic containers. How long your containers last depends on how well you care for them, and the quality of plastic they're made of. You'll know it's time to toss your containers if they become warped or cracked.
In November 2024, the Tupperware brand name was acquired by Party Products LLC, who will allow for Tupperware's operations to continue.
If you find a set from the 1970s, it should be used for display only, as Tupperware from this time period have been known to contain arsenic, lead, mercury, and calcium. The presence and amounts of these chemicals vary based on the Tupperware's particular aesthetic, but it's not worth the risk.
#7 (Other): This category often includes polycarbonate plastics, which may contain BPA unless specifically labelled otherwise.
Surprising items you shouldn't put in your curbside recycling include plastic bags, shredded paper, Styrofoam, greasy pizza boxes, coffee cups with plastic lining, batteries, clothes hangers, and ceramics/Pyrex, as they contaminate batches or jam machinery. Soft plastics, soiled paper, and small items like bottle caps are also common culprits that belong in the trash or special drop-offs, not the regular bin.
You'll find SPI code of 5 on plastic items made with polypropylene. PP can be recycled, but is not as accepted as PETE or HDPE. This type of plastic is strong and can usually withstand higher temperatures. That's why you're able to reheat your leftovers in Tupperware without worrying about it melting!
Vintage Tupperware in orange and brown are sought after by younger collectors. Others like the crystal colors or the pastel pinks and blues. These hues are so popular that Tupperware issued a new set of containers called the Heritage Line in these beautiful pastel colors that you can buy from retailers like Amazon.
Everything from vintage cookware to old-school gaming consoles can be worth more than you might imagine.
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While there is no set timeframe for replacing plastic food containers, experts say they should be tossed out when they show visible wear, chips, cracks, or signs of stains and odors.
Identifying Authentic and Vintage Tupperware
Most Tupperware fans recognize the products instantly, either by the shapes, which changed over the decades, or the colors, which also evolved. For instance, early bowl sets were round and made in pastel colors (the Wonderlier line).
Ultimately, Tupperware's decline can be traced back to its failure to define a compelling brand purpose in the modern world. The brand lost sight of what made it special, neglecting to adapt to new consumer needs and expectations. Tupperware became a relic, struggling to find its place in a market that had moved on.
This chalice and fork combo means that the item is good to go for both serving and consuming food. Not every piece of flatware or dish will have this symbol on it, and we like to assume that if they're dishes, they're implied to be food safe, but hey.