Seattle Pacific University Launch

For the past six years, Seattle Pacific University (SPU) and their dining services (managed by Sodexo) have collaborated to offer a campus-wide reusable container program. The University has replaced all single-use takeout containers in their main dining hall, Gwinn Commons, with polypropylene reusable clamshells. Students pay an initial $5 fee to use the containers for four years and return their dirty containers to the cafeteria in exchange for clean ones.

By the Numbers

• More than 3,000 containers provided to students for reuse since March 2021

• More than 100 containers washed per day

• 23,900 container re-uses per school year

Key Observations and Takeaways

Student engagement

Students have shown overwhelming positivity toward the reusable container program. They particularly enjoy using them to take food to class, study spaces, and other areas outside of the dining hall. Students also praise the subsequent reduction in food waste from being able to take leftovers with them instead of having to throw them away.

"It's pretty nice to have them if we need to get to class or want to go study somewhere [but need to get food]." - Student

Recovery rates

Students are required to show proof of their container purchase with a carabiner or return their used container to get a new one. This model ensures that recovery rates remain high, otherwise students must pay for an additional container. No significant loss of containers has been noted.

"Saves money because I don't need to buy staples [like rice] since I can take leftovers." - Student

Staff perceptions

The positivity toward the reusable containers is not only noted by students but by staff as well. Staff members have noticed the impacts of the program, noting that students find it easy to understand and helpful. With additional signage and advertising about the program, SPU imagines reusable containers becoming part of the status quo for both students and staff!

"Students seem to be able to easily figure out how the program works. It just makes sense. If I were a student, I would be using it all the time!" - Staff member

"They are widely used and appreciated by everyone." - Staff member