BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 26, 2025 / USEFULL, the leader in plastic-free takeout solutions for higher education, announced the launch of its Plastic Buyback Program, the first initiative designed to help colleges and universities transition away from outdated plastic-based reuse systems.
Hundreds of colleges and universities deployed plastic reusable containers in takeout dining as a well-intentioned step toward sustainability. But high loss rates, ongoing replacement costs, and rising concerns over microplastic exposure have made many of these plastic-based programs financially and environmentally unsustainable, dangerous to human health, and operationally difficult.
USEFULL's new Buyback Program offers a clear off-ramp. For colleges still holding large inventories of plastic reusables, USEFULL will buy them back, recycle them responsibly, and work with campuses to implement a modern, tech-enabled reuse system built on durable, stainless steel containers, one that is completely free of plastic. The Buyback Program applies to reusable programs in place for both residential and retail dining.
"We created the Buyback Program to remove the final barrier for schools that want to improve their approach to reuse but feel stuck with plastic," said Alison Cove, founder and CEO of USEFULL. "This is about more than offloading and recycling outdated plastic containers. Instead, it's about giving colleges an opportunity to revisit their reusable programs in light of cost, health, and environmental concerns, and to launch a safe, responsible, and effective system."
The USEFULL Buyback Program includes:
Campus reuse assessment: The experienced USEFULL team evaluates a school's current takeout program and creates a tailored transition plan to plastic-free reuse.
Plastic inventory buyback: USEFULL purchases all remaining plastic containers, recovering sunk costs, and enabling schools to redirect budget toward a more effective solution.
Responsible recycling: Legacy plastic containers will be processed through certified recycling providers to reduce environmental harm.
Full program implementation: USEFULL installs its proven stainless steel system, complete with campus ID or mobile credential check-out, real-time tracking, environmental impact reporting, and 24/7 user support.
The program builds upon USEFULL's momentum with colleges and universities nationwide. Recent case studies highlight the dramatic shift schools are seeing with the implementation of plastic-free reusables. At UNC Wilmington, a prior plastic-based program had only 4% of their purchased containers ever return. After switching to the plastic-free USEFULL program, return rates soared to more than 99%.
USEFULL's reusable containers are made from stainless steel with silicone lids, designed to be durable, safe for hot foods, and better for the planet. USEFULL's tech platform integrates with major campus card providers like Transact and CBORD for seamless user experiences, and delivers real-time metrics to help campuses track impact across waste, water, and emissions.
For more information about the Plastic Buyback Program, visit https://www.usefull.us/plastic-buyback-program.
About USEFULL
USEFULL is building a zero-waste future by eliminating plastics and single-use packaging from the takeout stream at higher education residential and retail dining operations. Its tech-enabled stainless steel system helps customers reduce waste, save water, cut emissions, and drive lasting behavior change. Designed with student health in mind, USEFULL offers a safer, non-toxic alternative to plastic containers, supporting both institutional goals and individual wellbeing. Learn more at https://www.usefull.us.
Media contact:
Mark O'Toole
USEFULL
mark@usefull.us
SOURCE: USEFULL
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