University of Guelph Reusable Program
Reusables at the University of Guelph
We are proud to offer zero-waste containers for dining in partnership with Reusables.com! This sustainability initiative is an evolution of our #iamreusable program, which started in 2011 and provides our campus community with the ability to use reusable takeout food containers when dining on campus.
With your help, this system will eliminate hundreds of thousands of single-use items annually, reducing solid waste production on campus and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of single-use packaging. Reusables’ technology includes reporting metrics including return rates, number of reuses, and associated emissions reductions, supporting University of Guelph’s climate & sustainability reporting.
Single-use compostable containers available in our dining halls cost $1 per container, which can quickly add up when you're regularly dining on campus. Therefore, you can save money and reduce packaging waste going to landfills by choosing to reuse with our green container program.
It’s never been easier to reuse at the University of Guelph! Scan the QR-code below to sign-up and get your ReuserID. Containers are assigned to you at checkout and you have 5 days to borrow the container for free! Can’t return on-time? No stress. A refundable deposit of $7.00 will be applied after 5 days, which is automatically removed if you return within 30 days.
How It Works:
1. Get Ready to Reuse:
- No sign-up fee or deposit is needed!
- Get your ReuserID QR code by signing up through the Reusables web-app at https://app.reusables.com/login or by scanning the poster QR codes near the checkout. Make sure to save it either to your mobile wallet or print it!
- You will be assigned a unique ReuserID
2. Borrowing a Container:
- At checkout, scan your ReuserID and then scan the container QR code to link the container to your account.
- Check out as usual
3. Returning Your Container:
- Two Ways to Return:
- Smart Bin: Scan the Container QR code, the door will open then place your container inside the bin.
- Return Station: Scan the Kiosk QR code and place it on the dish belt.
4. Note: The station will turn green to confirm the return has been processed.
Important Info:
· Return the container within 5 days to any return bin or station on campus to avoid a $7 fee.
· Return the container within 30 days of the fee being charged for a full refund.
· Did You Know - You can track how many green containers are assigned to you right in the app and have a direct line to seeing your environmental impact!
· The physical green containers are not changing – we have simply added a QR code to the bottom of our existing containers.
Resources:
For more information on Reusables, please visit their website: https://reusables.com/
To watch a video that showcases the Reusables system, please visit this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2jTLbiDJ8Q&t=88s
Keep an eye out on our social media platforms for fun instructional videos and additional information.