The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is the first higher education institution in North Carolina to implement a completely plastic-free reuse program for its residential campus takeout dining.

Previously, UNCW launched a plastic container reuse program for residential dining, but the program suffered with a 96% container loss rate, making it financially and operationally unsustainable. Containers were not returned, replacements were frequently ordered, and the program could not deliver lasting results.

Seeking a resilient, cost-effective reusable container system, UNCW replaced with USEFULL’s tech-enabled stainless steel container system, which is seeing significantly increased usage and near zero container loss rates. USEFULL containers are a durable and environmentally conscious solution for the campus dining market.

Looking for a more resilient and cost-effective solution, UNCW turned to USEFULL, a tech-enabled system using durable stainless steel containers that has already shown significantly higher return rates and nearly zero container loss. USEFULL provides a more robust, environmentally friendly alternative to plastic, purpose-built for campus dining environments.

“Implementing USEFULL will help UNCW realize real savings and true reuse within dining operations,” said Feletia Lee, chief sustainability officer, UNCW. “Our students benefit from an elevated dining experience that’s better for their health and helps them become advocates for reuse and waste reduction.”

USEFULL containers are available at Wagoner and The Shore dining halls, where students can check them out using their campus ID cards or mobile credentials through an integration with Transact Campus. The program is free for students, aside from fees for late returns or lost/damaged containers.

Made from premium stainless steel with silicone lids, USEFULL’s containers maintain food and beverage temperature for up to five hours, providing a high-quality experience that students appreciate, while replacing single-use plastic.

“USEFULL is built to support resilient campus operations by reducing dependency on disposable plastic containers and helping campuses operate future-ready dining programs,” said Alison Cove, founder and CEO, USEFULL.

USEFULL’s technology-enabled platform provides comprehensive tracking and reporting capabilities, allowing UNCW to monitor its impact through detailed metrics on waste reduction, water conservation, and emissions prevention, at both institutional and individual user levels.

By reducing operational costs and helping tackle the rising concern of microplastic ingestion, USEFULL and UNCW are creating a path forward to a cleaner, healthier future.