Mount Holyoke College launched its reusable takeout container program through USEFULL in 2022, at a time when many institutions leaned more heavily on disposable packaging due to pandemic-related safety concerns. Mount Holyoke opted for a different path, one emphasizing sanitation, circularity, and long-term waste reduction. 

Mount Holyoke’s program uses stainless steel containers with silicone lids from USEFULL, selected for their durability, cleanability, and corrosion resistance. USEFULL partners with college campuses across the US to help replace their single-use and/or reusable plastic takeout containers. These efforts align with the Massachusetts Merged Food Code, which encourages businesses and institutions to use containers that are non-absorbent, smooth-surfaced, and able to withstand repeated commercial dishwashing. “Reuse systems must be held to the same hygiene standards as single-use, or even higher,” said Alison Cove, founder and CEO of USEFULL. “Our containers are clean and behind the counter, the same way disposable containers would be.”

The college’s reusable take-out container program is free for any campus user to utilize, but incremental late fees are incurred if containers are not returned within the 48-hour rental period. To participate, users download a phone app, and the dining staff scans the container’s code on the bottom to complete the checkout. Participants receive reminder emails about their check-out, upcoming returns, and confirmation of successful returns. Bowls and tumblers with lids are available at Mount Holyoke’s centralized dining location, where users can check out up to two bowls and one cup each time. Tumblers with lids are also available at their student-run cafe, Frances Perk.

Though users routinely return lids with their containers, there is still a rate of loss of lids, with the main reason being from prolonged food exposure due to late returns. This is why there are incremental late fees to encourage returns within two days. Despite this, the college has not had to purchase any additional inventory since the launch of its program in 2022. 

Since the program started in 2022, Mount Holyoke has recorded over 339,000 checkouts. The environmental impact of that means: 

Dining staff at Mount Holyoke are trained in proper container handling to avoid cross-contamination. Students pick up a container cleaned by the commercial dishwasher and either pass the container to staff behind the counter or self-fill at buffet-style stations. In either case, the process mirrors traditional in-house service and follows the same food safety guidelines. 

Students return empty containers via clearly marked return stations after scanning a QR code. This efficient check-in process reduces labor demands and allows containers to be collected during off-peak hours. Return stations are strategically placed near dining hall entrances to encourage participation and ensure easy oversight. The technology platform via USEFULL also allows the school to track container checkouts and access a dashboard that shows the school’s collective impact toward zero-waste goals. 

Returned USEFULL containers are washed and sanitized using the same mechanical washing systems used for other foodservice items. The stainless-steel design promotes rapid air drying, critical since towel drying is not allowed under the Food Code. Because the system is circular, only a fraction of the total inventory is onsite at any given time, reducing space demands for drying and storage. 

The Mount Holyoke dining team received initial training from USEFULL at launch and continues to receive updates as the program evolves. Staff input helps guide improvements, and procedures are adjusted as needed to support efficiency and food safety. 

Mount Holyoke’s reusable program prevents waste generated from single-use containers while meeting the dining needs of the campus community. They continue to improve their diversion program and expand impact with support from RecyclingWorks MA technical assistance.