Hospitality Services is proud to offer an updated zero-waste container program in partnership with Reusables.com. This sustainability initiative is an evolution of our #IAmReusable program, which started in 2011 and provides our campus community with the ability to use reusable takeout food containers when dining on campus.

The new program makes it even easier to reuse at U of G by eliminating the reusable container cards and managing container borrowing and returns through your ReuserID. Sign up and get your ReuserID online via the instructions below.

Containers are assigned to you at checkout and you have five days to borrow the container for free. A refundable deposit of $7 will be applied after five days, but don’t stress if you can’t return your container on time; this deposit is automatically refunded to you if you return your container within 30 days.

How It Works:

  1. Get Ready to Reuse:
    • No sign-up fee or deposit is needed!
    • Get your ReuserID QR code by signing up through the Reusables web-app or by scanning the poster QR codes near the checkout. Make sure to save it either to your mobile wallet or print it.
    • You will be assigned a unique ReuserID.
  1. Borrowing a Container:
    • At checkout, scan your ReuserID and then scan the container QR code to link the container to your account.
    • Check out as usual.
  1. Returning Your Container:
    • Two Ways to Return:
      • Smart Bin: Scan the Container QR code, the door will open then place your container inside the bin.
      • Return Station: Scan the Kiosk QR code and place it on the dish belt.
  1. Note:
    • The station will turn green to confirm the return has been processed.

Important Info:

  • Return the container within five days to any return bin or station on campus to avoid a $7 fee.
  • Return the container within 30 days of the fee being charged for a full refund.
  • Did You Know – You can track how many green containers are assigned to you in the app and see your environmental impact.
  • The physical green containers are not changing – we have simply added a QR code to the bottom of our existing containers.
  • China plates are still available, as well as compostable containers at certain locations.

With your help, this system will eliminate hundreds of thousands of single-use items annually, reducing solid waste production on campus and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of single-use packaging. Reusables’ technology includes reporting metrics including return rates, number of reuses, and associated emissions reductions, supporting University of Guelph’s climate & sustainability reporting.

Resources:

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