OUR 2024 JOURNEY
EXPLORE OUR IMPACT REPORT
Globally, up to two million tons of plastic enter our oceans each year, creating a serious problem for the environment, and this plastic waste is expected to triple by 2060. Addressing this issue is mission-critical for the planet and human health.
At USEFULL, we’ve innovated a practical solution to reduce waste, cut emissions, and protect human health from the looming threat of microplastics. Our industry-leading program outfits campuses across the country with everything they need to successfully implement reusable takeout.
During 2024, our biggest and most impactful year yet, we more than doubled the number of campuses participating in our reusable program, preventing half a million single-use containers from entering landfills.
Our 2024 by the numbers
How we did it: USEFULL advances
Striving for a more circular future, the USEFULL team was busier than ever in 2024. In addition to supporting the sustainable dining movement on campus with our unique, all-in-one reusable takeout solution, USEFULL made huge strides in pursuing our plastic-free mission.
Expanded practical reuse applications on campuses, introducing programs to both residential and retail foodservice operations.
Demonstrated longevity in reuse with our built-to-last program that boasts a 100% retention rate among participating campuses.
Brought plastic-free reuse to world leading universities, including University of Southern California and Emory University among many others.
Educated the campus dining community about the environmental and health dangers of plastic, offering practical solutions for a plastic-free future.
Partnered with the EPA to amplify the conversation around maximizing the impact of reuse programs.
Initiated partnerships and programs with leading campus card and foodservice providers like Transact and Bon Appetit to make it easier for colleges to adopt effective reuse programs.
Took action as a Champion of Change, joining Greenpeace and others to call upon world governments to support an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty.
Why waste reduction matters in higher ed
With campus residential and retail dining programs serving millions of students daily, the impact of foodservice on our environment is enormous—and prospective students, collegiate communities, and donors are taking note. More than 60% of high school students who participated in The Princeton Review’s 2024 College Hopes & Worries Survey said that information about a college’s commitment to the environment would affect their decision to apply to or attend the school.
At campuses across the country, factors like where and how food is sourced, the way it is prepared and served, and how waste is managed are all being overhauled. Single-use containers are piling up in landfills, and recycling isn’t nearly enough to stop or even slow the problem.
Reuse is a proven and measurable way to make progress toward zero-waste goals. That’s where USEFULL comes in, with innovative technology that does all the heavy lifting. Our program does everything from facilitating the reuse process to delivering administrators the ESG reporting metrics they need.
As environmental commitment becomes more important than ever, institutions are turning to third-party sustainability certifications like Green Restaurant Association (GRA), Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). These stamps of approval can help schools credibly demonstrate progress and unlock tangible benefits for an institution and the environment. With waste reduction making up a large part of certification evaluation, reuse is a strong entry point to top certifications.
“Waste diversion is huge in getting you from one [GRA certification] level to the next. Partnering with USEFULL was a big part of what helped us achieve that.” – Nichelle Huizar, Sustainability Administrator at University of Southern California on USC’s 2024 achievement of 4 star Green Restaurant Certification status
The biggest obstacles in reuse
USEFULL has innovated through three major adversities facing reusables to develop a reuse program that delivers results.
The plastic problem: Cheaply made plastic containers are a common entry point for schools that want to try out reuse. But given their flimsiness, we often see plastic “reusables” quickly become trash.
The circularity challenge: Reuse systems only work when the reusables are returned to circulation, which rarely happens unless they’re both durable and trackable.
The convenience issue: People are accustomed to trashing their takeout containers rather than taking the extra step to wash and reuse. This challenge becomes amplified in our increasingly on-the-go culture.
How USEFULL is changing the game
Food Safety
While plastic containers have been shown to leach microplastics and other toxins into food (especially when heated) our stainless steel containers and silicone lids are 100% food safe and plastic-free.
Convenience
With checkout and return stations throughout campus, all students need to do is return their containers within the checkout window. No need to wash anything themselves, just drop and go!
Verifiable Sustainability
To maximize environmental impact, our durable stainless steel containers are rated for a minimum of 3 years of use. Plus, once they reach their end of life, they’re infinitely recyclable. And unlike plastic—they’re never mistaken for trash!
Circularity
Our containers actually come back after each use, with a proven return rate of >99%. Why? Because our tracking app provides return reminders that prompt students to keep the flywheel spinning.
“There is no better sustainable option for reusable containers. USEFULL has truly innovated the best possible option to support the high volume of colleges and universities.” – Rich Perna, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services at Mount Holyoke University
A lot less plastic, a lot more hope
With a sense of excitement and urgency, we’re proud to empower campuses across North America to embrace simple, plastic-free lifestyle changes that unlock meaningful impact.
Throughout 2024, in partnership with our growing campus clients and communities, USEFULL expanded upon a system that proves sustainability in dining is an achievable reality.
Today we’re more energized than ever to take on what’s next—because reducing waste isn’t just a goal, it’s the future we’re creating, one reusable container at a time.
Interested in unlocking your campus’s reuse potential? Let’s talk.
