Colleges across the country have achieved massive results by introducing plastic-free reusable takeout programs in residential dining halls. These programs have shown that sustainable dining isn’t just an ideal—it’s a practical, achievable reality that’s typically more budget friendly than sticking to single-use.
Now, with the launch of the premier partnership between reuse leader USEFULL and campus card leader Transact, the stage is set for a significant evolution in campus reuse: retail foodservice.
The expansion to retail foodservice—campus coffee shops, quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and other high-traffic eateries—represents a game-changing opportunity for sustainability. Campus retail operations serve thousands of meals each day to their students, who place orders both in-store and via mobile order-ahead.
Imagine if single-use packaging was nowhere to be found in all of this: every disposable cup, box, and bowl on campus being replaced by a durable, reusable one in a circular system powered by technology. The collective environmental impact over time would be staggering with its reduction of waste, water, and emissions
Bringing retail reuse to life
The question isn’t whether reuse in campus retail can work—it’s how.
Potential slowdowns during peak hours and conforming recipe builds across third-party vendors are practical concerns to address, surmountable with thoughtful planning and the right tools. Streamlined return stations and real-time container tracking can reduce bottlenecks and ensure smooth user experiences.
Further, when reusable containers are designed with direct input from foodservice professionals, questions around menu flexibility are minimized. As is the case with USEFULL’s broad portfolio, featuring stainless steel containers of various shapes and sizes with embossed measurement marks inside.
In addition to operational feasibility, the success of a reuse program in the retail setting hinges on its scalability. The partnership between USEFULL and Transact provides an unprecedented foundation for colleges to drive meaningful gains in sustainability. Here’s how:
- Integrated Technology: Transact’s campus card systems already power seamless payments and access across campuses, including mobile ordering. Adding reusable tracking to the system integrates sustainability into students’ everyday routines with minimal friction.
- User-Friendly Design: USEFULL’s intuitive system ensures that borrowing and returning containers is as easy as using a single-use option. Students can participate without breaking their regular habits.
- Operational Expertise: Leveraging insights from our existing residential and retail takeout operations, our team can anticipate challenges and implement strategies to address them—from convenient drop-off locations to clear communication campaigns.
Stay ahead of the curve
This won’t be the first time innovation has changed the foodservice game for the better. The field is constantly evolving, bringing once-complex concepts to the mainstream.
For example, mobile ordering applications, initially viewed as a logistical headache, are now a cornerstone of campus retail dining. Their addition offers students both convenience and efficiency. The same goes for comprehensive recycling systems, now standard across campus spaces.
A future worth getting excited about
Expanding reusable takeout programs to retail foodservice marks a pivotal moment for campus sustainability. The shift shows a resounding commitment to addressing one of the largest sources of single-use packaging waste. With USEFULL and Transact leading the charge, colleges can embrace a future where sustainable choices are the norm.
This next chapter in campus reuse is a transformative moment in a movement redefining convenience and responsibility. Together, we can turn everyday habits into powerful drivers for change, proving that sustainability and operational success go hand-in-hand.
Let’s build this future—one reusable container at a time.
Curious about bringing reuse to your campus cafés, markets, and retail dining spots? Let’s connect.
