In Ohio, Ashland University will join a popular movement on college campuses throughout the country by implementing the use of reusable takeout containers in their dining halls and commissaries.

The way the reusable containers work is similar to a re-usable water container. Students purchase a polypropylene food container for a few dollars and then bring it with them when purchasing food to-go, such as pizza, salads, sandwiches, or pasta. After eating, students simply rinse out the containers and place then in specially designed collection receptacles on campus.

The reusable containers are then washed and sanitized and placed back into circulation. Students simply pick up another container the next time they buy take-out food.

In addition to students, college faculty and staff are also being encouraged to participate.

Interest in programs like this are growing in interest outside of colleges as well. In Portland, Oregon, several food trucks that service the downtown area have started offering customers the reusable containers as well.

One of the benefits of the reusable containers are that they are dishwasher safe and can be placed in microwaves. Made of break-resistant, recyclable PP and can safely be used up to seven hundred times.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: The reusable products market is always changing. New products are developed and products that were formerly expensive, begin to drop in price. It pays to stay in the know about the relevant choices in your industry – what may have been cost prohibitive in pasty years may be cost effective now!