It’s time to ditch single-use plastic for good
USEFULL IS THE ONLY TECH-ENABLED, PLASTIC-FREE TAKEOUT OPTION ON THE MARKET
Our partners
Mount Holyoke College
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Carleton College
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St. Olaf College
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University of Southern California
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Union College
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Northern Arizona University
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Emory University
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Montana State University
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Case Western Reserve University
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Alfred State College
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Mount Holyoke College 〰️ Carleton College 〰️ St. Olaf College 〰️ University of Southern California 〰️ Union College 〰️ Northern Arizona University 〰️ Emory University 〰️ Montana State University 〰️ Case Western Reserve University 〰️ Alfred State College 〰️
Why reuse?
Single-use takeout containers are a problem for the environment. Containers and packaging contribute over 23% of the materials piling up in landfills in the US. And we know that in order for a reusable container system to truly save waste – and money – those reusable containers need to be used again and again.
We built a system with a 99% return rate.
You read that right. Over 99% of our containers are returned – creating a truly eco-friendly takeout solution. USEFULL uses two key strategies to minimize loss rates:
1. Easy to use, tech-enabled reusable containers
2. Fair and friendly return policy that incentivizes behavior - just like a library book!
Wait… isn’t stainless steel expensive?
Yes. Stainless steel can be expensive - but not when you account for reuse! Our containers last a MINIMUM of 3 years in circulation before they need to be retired, recycled and replaced. That’s pennies on the dollar per use when compared to single use or biodegradables.
In addition, stainless steel has deep perceived value so our plastic-free takeout containers are never mistaken for trash and thrown away. Our technology backed check out and return system guarantees our containers will come back into circulation and live to be reused another day.
On top of that, we lease our inventory to our campuses to keep it out of your Capital Expenditure Budget. By doing this, we tend to save our clients 25-40% compared to what they spend constantly purchasing more single use disposables or compostables! Want to see how much money we can save you?
Our tech keeps containers in the loop
Backing up our stainless steel reusable containers is a technology-based tracking system which ensures that your reusable containers are actually reused.
To check out a container, users simply scan the QR code on the bottom of their cup or bowl, just like a library book. The app then gives them reminders to return their container on time. Once they return it, the container is washed and then used again!
Better yet, our app provides lots of useful(l) data for both users and dining admin! This makes it easy to see how much waste, water, and emissions you’ve kept out of the landfill, showing the process in your zero waste campus dining journey.
Your impact reporting made effortless and easy
Your students see their personal impact!
We work with you to make the switch to reusables seamless
We are a team of passionate change-makers who will work with you to every step of the way to make the switch to an eco-friendly takeout solution easy!
With our container rental system, you experience cost savings right off the bat
We work closely with you to develop an implementation plan
We visit your campus in-person to provide staff training and student marketing materials
Our tech integrates with campus card systems (CBORD, Touchnet, etc) and is ready to go – no time-consuming tweaks needed
We integrate with your order ahead platform to streamline your returnable takeout solution
Change is hard.
USEFULL is easy. We work with you through planning, implementation, and lasting impact.