Gone are the days of wet and soggy paper to-go containers at this on-campus dining location! Through a partnership with Reusables, a university reusable container program, the reusable container program is part of an effort to reduce waste and work towards RIT’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal. The Kitchen at Brick City, located in the Student Alumni Union, serves as the container’s pilot dining location.
The goal is to get students to borrow a free container instead of using single-use packaging, such as styrofoam boxes or plastic bags. To participate in the program, students must create a Reusables ID online using their phone number, Apple ID or Google email. When ordering food, students can request a reusable container. Following checking out, the container is linked to a student’s account by tapping an RIT ID or card, and students are expected to return them within five days. The current drop-off location can be found outside the Kitchen at Brick City in the Student Alumni Union, with a return kiosk inside the dining area near the dishwashing station. After five days, a refundable 10-dollar fee is applied to the student’s account for up to 30 days. Users can track their usage and receive reminders through the Reusables mobile app on Google Play and the App Store.
“Honestly, it’s a really great, simple way for students to adopt more sustainable habits, which is something lots of college students struggle with. It should be implemented at more dining locations on campus,” said Arty Smargiassi, a first-year Environmental Sustainability, Health, and Safety student, in an online survey conducted by Reporter Magazine.
