UC Riverside Expands Reusable Takeout Program, Aims to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Waste
The University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) has significantly expanded its reusable takeout container program to include seven dining locations, notably integrating national chains within its busiest campus food court. This expansion, managed in partnership with Reusables.com, has seen an uptake of approximately half of all takeout orders, exceeding initial expectations. The program, which began with one location in April 2025, allows students and staff to borrow containers by tapping a credit or student card, linking the container to the borrower without requiring an upfront deposit or app download. Borrowers are charged $5 if a container is not returned within five days, with the fee refunded upon return within 30 days. The overall return rate at UC Riverside is reported at 95.4%, contributing to a reduction in disposable packaging.
