Stainless steel reusable USEFULL to-go containers are now available at Pitt’s residential dining halls (The Eatery and The Perch), offering a more environmentally friendly way to keep food fresher longer and ensure multiple uses.
Taking out food from dining halls at the University of Pittsburgh just got a major sustainability upgrade! The reusable green plastic clamshells of the past 13 semesters have been replaced with sleek, stainless steel food containers and tumblers from USEFULL. This change marks another big step in Pitt’s ongoing commitment to reducing single-use plastics and cutting landfill waste by 25% by 2030 from 2017 levels.
Why the Change?
Frequent replacement of the old plastic containers and a desire to eliminate single-use plastics drove Pitt, in partnership with Pitt Eats by Chartwells, to make the switch. According to Pitt Eats Vice President of Operations Steve Schurr, the move was a logical next step.
“We had the opportunity to move another step closer to becoming a plastic-free operation for our community at Pitt,” Schurr said. “The USEFULL containers help us remove more plastic from our operation and reduce what goes into the landfill, all while giving our students something they’ve been asking for: a sustainable way to take food on the go.”
How it Works
USEFULL containers bring both sustainability and smart technology to Pitt’s dining experience. Each container has a QR code that students scan when checking out from a dining facility. The code links to an app that sends reminders when the container is due back — similar to a library system. With this tracking technology, USEFULL containers have achieved a return rate of over 99% at other institutions.
These premium stainless steel containers have silicone lids and are designed to keep food and drinks at temperature for up to 5 hours. Students can check them out at Pitt’s residential dining halls for free — as long as they return them within two days. Customers get $0.50 off their beverage order when ordering in a Usefull mug at coffee shops.
Getting Started
To start using USEFULL containers, follow these 3 simple steps:
- Download the USEFULL app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Select University of Pittsburgh as your community.
- Choose your preferred payment method (credit/Apple Pay/Google Pay/Panther Card) to cover any potential late fees.