Reusable Takeout Container Program

According to the EPA, the United States added 830,000 tons of plastic food containers to landfills in 2018 alone. That’s equivalent to the weight of roughly 400,000 cars in just plastic containers.

Each of these containers takes about 500 years to decompose in a landfill, releasing methane and other heat-trapping compounds into our atmosphere throughout the process. Releasing heat trapping compounds contributes to climate change, negatively impacting the health and wellbeing of our planet. Resource extraction and manufacturing for the creation of disposable containers is also a notable source of emissions that is ongoing as disposable products are only used once.

Dwarfing these negative impacts and providing positive change is a transition to reusable products. Upstream notes in a Life Cycle Assessment that reusables have lower lifetime greenhouse gas emissions, use less water, and save money compared to disposables.

Through piloting a reusable takeout container program in Kalamazoo, we are taking action to help the triple bottom line – people, profit, and planet. Working towards the goals of a circular economy and zero-waste noted in the Community Sustainability Plan(PDF, 10MB) and Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 this pilot is seeking positive change for the Kalamazoo community

Container washing and distribution complies with Kalamazoo County Health Codes. They are being washed and sanitized just as dine-in plates and utensils are.

There is no fee, however, there is a refundable $5 deposit that will be charged upfront. When you return each reusable, the $5 deposit will be credited to your account so that it can be used to check out your next reusable anywhere in the Forever Ware network.

Reusables can be returned to any business in the Forever Ware network. Your deposit will become available for your next checkout when you scan the reusable at a self-return station.

To promote sustainability, avoid making solo trips to just return containers. Instead, we recommend you return containers when you are already out or when you will be visiting another participating food establishment!

Your deposit can remain in your account as a credit until you're ready to check out your next container. If you prefer to cash out any accumulated credits visit the Forever Ware Refund Page.

No! Just give it a good rinse in cool water. All containers will be run through commercial dishwashing systems upon return to ensure their cleanliness for the next user – just like dine-in plates and utensils!

Pre-washing your container at home can negate some of the positive environmental impact. Here's a study about it: University of Michigan Life Cycle Assessment of Reusable Containers

It’s okay, we all forget sometimes! There is no penalty fee for returning a container late, but the sooner you can get the container back in circulation the more people can benefit from the program.