Emory University has launched USEFULL’s reusable takeout program in their main student dining hall. With a significant campus-wide focus on environmental sustainability, Emory has earned a spot as a top-10 higher education institution in the Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges for 2024 and been recognized in three categories of AASHE’s Sustainable Campus Index rankings for 2023.

“Emory’s commitment to sustainability matches our passion at USEFULL,” said Alison Rogers Cove, founder and CEO of USEFULL. “This upgrade in campus dining and takeout containers is an important step in that regard, and critical to keep plastics out of the food stream for both the environment and student health.”

Via an inventory technology platform that enables tracking of reusable containers through a user-friendly app, USEFULL delivers a proven 99% return rate of its stainless-steel reusable containers. Incredibly durable, USEFULL’s double-walled and vacuum-sealed stainless-steel containers offer years of reuse and provide an elevated takeout experience for users.

From single-use to never-stop-using

USEFULL reusable takeout containers positioned nearby Emory University signage

Emory Campus Dining partners with Bon Appetit Management Company to provide food service for the university. The USEFULL takeout program is now offered at Dobbs Common Table in collaboration with the Bon Appetit dining team. Prior to implementing USEFULL, only single-use compostable containers were available for takeout at the dining hall. Bon Appetit estimates that USEFULL will supply 1,000 to-go cups and 1,000 containers per day, diverting more than 2,000 single-use containers from the waste stream on a daily basis.

Students can simply download the USEFULL app (for iOS and Android) to participate. Checking out reusable containers is as easy as checking out a library book: students scan the QR code on the bottom of the container and go. The app allows students to monitor their personal environmental impact. Additionally, for campus-level statistics, the Emory community can view cumulative waste, emissions, and water reduction on USEFULL’s Impact Dashboard. 

USEFULL partners with college dining operations to build a zero-waste future. Together, we’re creating lasting, sustainable behavior change through tangible everyday experiences for students with reusable takeout. Let’s make single-use takeout containers a thing of the past.

Interested in bringing reusable containers to your campus? Let’s talk.