Understanding Reusables: A Comprehensive Overview and Key Resource
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Solid Waste Master Plan outlines goals to reduce waste in MA 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. How do we get there? By everyone doing their part.
The MassDEP Reduce and Reuse Working Group identified food establishment single-use waste as a target material which led to the development of the Best Management Practices for Reusable Takeout Containers at Food Establishments in Massachusetts and Implementation Guide. Offering reusables at your establishment can be easy, safe, and aligned with the food code.
Why make the switch?
Because it may be easier than you think, and you may see long-term savings due to decreased single-use purchasing and corresponding decreased disposal costs. Providing reusables may also attract new or repeat customers interested in supporting sustainable businesses. When consumers return their reusables, they may also be more inclined to purchase another meal since they are already there.
How to make the switch
If you have repeat customers ordering takeout, and if you have established procedures for allergen awareness, handwashing, sanitizing, air drying, and storage of food service items, you are a good candidate for introducing reusable containers into routines you’ve already established.
Key Resources
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks MA) worked with state and local health officials and gathered information from stakeholders across the Commonwealth to develop the consensus-based Best Management Practices for Reusable Takeout Containers at Food Establishments in Massachusetts, as well as the corresponding Implementation Guide and Resource List of Reusable Products and Service Providers Guide. These resources align with the Massachusetts Merged Food Code and are tools to support establishments making the switch to establishment-provided reusable food and/or beverage containers, consumer-provided reusable food and/or beverage containers, or reusable containers in retail and/or bulk settings.
RecyclingWorks MA offers no-cost technical assistance to help with the details specific to your establishment. Let’s get started! Call (888) 254-5525 or email info@recyclingworksma.com.
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and delivered under contract by CET, that helps businesses and institutions reduce waste and maximize recycling, reuse, and food recovery opportunities.