When Boston University (BU) identified an opportunity to replace single-use takeout containers on campus in February 2023, it considered several solutions and then launched its innovative and practical reuse program. “Our goal was to change habits around reuse,” said Lexie Raczka, Sustainability Director for Boston University Dining Services. “We don’t have a default option. We nudge students to choose reusables by disincentivizing single-use with a fee, making the reusable, sustainable choice the less expensive option.” The reusable program also includes rewards to encourage participation, such as a loyalty program offering $10 off the next order after 15 takeout meals ordered in reusable containers.  

BU also wanted to make sure students knew they were being recognized for making sustainable choices, and started the “Caught Green Handed” campaign where students spotted with reusables in hand were given prizes and encouraged to share their thoughts on the reusable program.  

After researching tracking software, the University chose Topanga.io because it can be applied to any container. This allowed BU to immediately start a reusables program with previously purchased OZZI containers and maintain flexibility for additional container selection. Boston University chose OZZI containers for their material durability, versatility, cost, and circular lifecycle. OZZI offers a straightforward takeback program to ensure decommissioned container material is recycled. 

Students voiced different motivations for choosing reusable containers. Some sought to reduce single-use packaging and appreciated the durability of the containers for shaking dressing on their salads, while others wanted to avoid the surcharge attached to single-use container options. Since the launch, the university has prevented the use of nearly 400,000 single-use items and generated over $400,000 in revenue after accounting for costs associated with the program. Revenue is reinvested into the program and operations. The next step for Boston University’s reusable program is to expand reusable beverage container options at more local cafes. The University is currently investigating effective liquid pour-off stations and streamlining expansion of the reusable beverage container program. 

Boston University’s Program At-A-Glance: 

• Container Selection:
  • Food Container: O2GO by OZZI  
  • Beverage Containers: Bulk ordered stainless-steel, double-walled tumblers 
• Inspecting, Tracking, & Decommissioning:
  • ReusePass by Topanga.io with QR code 
• Filling:
  • Back-of-house filling, adhering to the Massachusetts Merged Food Code 
• Collection & Returning:
  • 64-gallon wheeled totes at participating locations
  • Monitoring and swapping wheeled totes with empty ones as needed
  • RFID trackers to detect and check in containers within 10′ of dish return
• Washing, Rinsing, & Sanitizing:
  • In-house commercial machines adhering to Massachusetts Food Code under Part 4-6 (page 63) and Part 4-7 (page 66) 
• Air-Drying & Storage:
  • OZZI provided racks to dry containers before stacking for the next use
• Revenue:
  • Avoided purchase of compostable containers
  • Reduced trash volume to haul
  • $2.50 surcharge added to single-use containers
  • $8 fee for unreturned reusable containers 

If your business is interested in offering refillable containers for bulk goods, call (888) 254-5525 or email info@recyclingworksma.com to get started.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and delivered under contract by CET. We help businesses and institutions reduce waste and maximize recycling, reuse, and food recovery opportunities.