Virginia Tech
OP-T2-12: Reusable To-Go Containers

Starting fall 2013, Reusable To-Go containers can be used instead of foam to-go containers. This is an excellent way to reduce the amount of materials that are being sent to the landfill and reduce your carbon footprint. Students will pay $12 per year to check out plastic containers that are washable, returnable, and reusable. At this time, our Reusable To-Go program is only being offered at West End Market. This is a pilot program. In the future, we hope to expand to other units.

All dining plan holders are eligible while supplies last, just stop by the kiosk near the dish return area in West End Market. There, you pay your $12 year "membership" to the program and receive your Reusable To-Go key chain with three tags so that you can get started right away. This $12 fee pays for the to-go containers themselves, as well as the resources that are supporting the project.

The three tags represent three reusable to-go containers that enrolled dining plan holders can check out at one time. That means at any one time, you may have one at home and two ready for you to check out. If you've checked out all three containers and are ordering foot to go, you will still be able to use a foam to-go container instead. Please remember to return your reusable to-go containers once you're done using them.

Reusable To-Go containers can only be used at West End Market and are available at every shop in the dining center that currently offers a foam to-go container. Containers are available until Reading Day of each semester. This allows for enough time for all checked out containers to be returned before the dining units close. Bring your empty and clean Reusable To-Go container back to the kiosk at West End Market when you're done with it. Upon returning your container, you'll receive a key tag back, allowing you to check out another one.

Be mindful that the Reusable To-Go containers are meant to be reused by everyone enrolled in the program—take care of them as if they were your own plate ware. Before returning your Reusable To-Go container to West End Market, please empty and clean your container. Similarly, be sure to take care of your key tags and key chain; if you lose one or all your key tags, there is no way to purchase replacements other than signing up for the program again and paying the initial enrollment fee.

For an article about Virginia Tech students lobbying for reusable to-go containers please see: http://www.collegiatetimes.com/stories/11465/group-lobbys-against-styrofoam-containers/p1

For an article about Virginia Tech’s reusable to-go container pilot program please see: http://www.collegiatetimes.com/stories/17551/reusable-containers-to-move-forward