Resource

Reusable Takeout Containers

In collaboration with leading industry stakeholders, RecyclingWorks MA developed best management practices and a implementation guide for reusable takeout container programs that aligns with the Massachusetts Merged Food Code. These resources are aimed at helping food service establishments in Massachusetts reduce waste from single-use disposables.

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Reusable Containers Service Providers and Products

These organizations provide reusable container systems, tracking platforms, ware-washing services, and reusable foodware products.

Service Provider


Contact Information

1 (888) 824-7375


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Utilizes QR codes on containers and return locations to track uses.

Service Provider


Contact Information

Margie Bell, Co-Founder
(617) 407-7232


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Provides BPA free plastic containers.

Service Provider


Contact Information


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Reusable container and ware-washing program.

Service Provider


Contact Information

(818) 423-5142


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A platform that can be used with any container to manage inventory and monitor reusable containers using RFID and QR codes.

Service Provider


Contact Information

(781) 650-8935


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Provides stainless steel, reusable cups and bowls.

Products

These companies offer reusable cups, bowls, containers, and other foodware products for food service establishments.

product


Contact Information


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School-focused stainless steel foodware.

product


Contact Information


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Aluminum cups.

product


Contact Information

(855) 476-6994


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BPA-free plastic clamshells, bowls, and cups. Offers drop-off container collection.

product


Contact Information

(888) 354-7296


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Reusable plastic to go container supplier.

product


Contact Information

John Fedyski

(602) 790-4567


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Stainless steel foodware.

Please note, this list was compiled for contact purposes, and listing does not imply a recommendation or endorsement.

Price Structure

Consider how fees and incentives can support container returns.

Reusable containers can be free to use but have a fee for non-returns (similar to a library book). When the container is returned, credit can be made back to the user’s account.
A motivation for choosing reusables can be to charge a fee for single-use containers which is equal to the cost of the container as opposed to offering a no-cost option to those who select a reusable option.

Funding Opportunities

These programs may help support reuse, repair, recycling, and reusable foodware projects.

Grant


Contact Information


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A Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund program that works with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers of single-use food packaging to switch to reusables.

Grant


Contact Information

Leah Kelleher, MassDEP


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Grants of up to $10,000 to eligible for-profit and non-profit organizations, regional authorities, municipalities, and schools/colleges for short-term reuse and repair projects.

Grant


Contact Information

Rachel Smith, MassDEP


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MassDEP Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) Municipal Grant funding may be used to improve local recycling, composting, reuse, and household hazardous waste diversion programs.

Grant


Contact Information


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Subsidy program is available to any food service establishment that currently gives single-use items containing either petroleum-based plastic or PFAS to its customers (or students), is willing and ready to switch to reusables, and is not required by local, county, or state law to discontinue using the single-use plastic.

Food Waste → Wasted Food

Why do we say “Wasted Food” instead of “Food Waste”?

Much of what’s thrown away isn’t truly waste. Often, it’s edible food that could be donated, or materials that can be redirected to better uses like animal feed, composting, or anaerobic digestion.

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