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Reusable Dishware

• Reusable dishware, silverware, and cups are available for use in the Marketplace. 
• The student-run Green Bean cafe offers reusable glass mugs for students getting their drinks "for here."
• Students may bring and fill their own reusable mugs and water bottles at any of the dining facilities. 

Eco-Clamshell Program - Occidental X Reusables

"To-go" never looked so good! In August 2023, the Marketplace transitioned to an all-reusables to-go program, and since launch, the ºù«Ӱҵ community has already diverted over 100,000 single-use containers from landfills. 

Help us reduce waste and improve our environmental impact at ºù«Ӱҵ by joining the Reusables container program. Designed with safe, heavy-duty plastic, the eco-clamshell can be reused, re-washed, and eventually recycled at the end of its 4+ year lifespan.

Reusable containers are mandatory for all to-go orders from the Marketplace. 
 

Why it Matters:

The ºù«Ӱҵ community uses tens of thousands of disposable take-out containers each year. Some can be composted - but others will end up in landfills. Thanks to your participation, our campus has already diverted over 100,000 single-use containers! The most sustainable option for takeout from the Marketplace is the eco-clamshell, and we are making it easier than ever to be part of the solution. 

FAQs

What is Reusables?

Reusables is our updated sustainability program that lets diners check out and return reusable to-go containers, reducing resource consumption and diverting single-use containers from landfills. We’ve upgraded to Reusables to remove past limitations—eliminating the requirement for an app or a U.S.-based phone number and introducing convenient return options all across campus!

How do I join?

No sign-up or app is required!

• Students: Simply present and swipe your ºù«Ӱҵ ID card at checkout.
• Faculty, Staff & Guests: Check out directly using a standard credit or debit card.
• Optional App: If you want to track your personal waste-reduction stats and receive return reminders, you can download the optional Reusables app. Any app usage automatically syncs with your ºù«Ӱҵ ID swipes.
   

Still have the ReusePass app and QR code?

The Topanga ReusePass program is no longer in use at ºù«Ӱҵ. Please delete the app from your phone and remove any saved QR codes or wallet passes from your electronic devices. You will now simply swipe your ºù«Ӱҵ ID (or use a credit/debit card) at checkout!

How does the program work?

1. Order: Request takeout at any hot food station, or fill your eco-clamshell at the self serve salad bar. 
2. Checkout:
   • Students: Present your ºù«Ӱҵ ID to the cashier to pay for your food and link the container to your account. 
   • Faculty, Staff & Guests: Pay the cashier or your meal, the scan your credit or debit card on the dedicated container checkout reader. (Note: Scanning a card creates a temporary pre-authorization hold that only charges if the container is not returned.)

Where and how do I return my container?

You no longer have to walk back to the Marketplace! You can return your containers at any of our new Smart Bins across campus:

• Marketplace: Tray drop window (Gresham Dining Room) & Main Entrance
• Tiger Cooler
• Berkus Hall
• Norris Chemistry (Mosher 1)
• Norris Res Hall (North Lobby)

How to return:

• At Remote Smart Bins: Scan the QR code on the container using the scanner on the bin. The door will unlock—place your container inside. (If returning multiple containers, scan each one individually to open the door).
• At Marketplace Tray Drop: Scan the code on the container at the scan-in station before placing it on the tray conveyor.
• At Marketplace Main Entrance: Scan the code at the station before placing the container into the green bin.

Important: You are responsible for scanning your own returns to ensure the container is properly checked off your account!

When do I need to return my container? What happens if I don’t return it?

We encourage returning containers within 2–3 days so they can be washed and put back into rotation quickly. However, you have up to 14 days before a late fee is applied to your account.

If a container is not returned within the 14-day window, a replacement fee will be charged (or the pre-authorization hold on a credit/debit card will be finalized).

Do I need to wash or wipe out my clamshell before returning?

No, there is no need to rinse or wipe out the clamshell. Just return and scan it at any Smart Bin location.

Can I take multiple Eco-Clamshells out at a time?

Yes! There is no hard limit on the number of containers you can check out at one time, as long as you return them at a steady, similar pace.

Why are we switching to Reusables?

Under our previous system, ºù«Ӱҵ achieved a 98% return rate! We listened to student feedback regarding app and phone requirements and limited drop-off spots, and upgraded to Reusables to make zero-waste dining seamless, accessible, and convenient for everyone.

What happens if a container breaks?

Accidents happen! If a container breaks, bring it to a scan station or contact the dining team so we can credit your account and track the container's lifespan.

Will this program make the lines move slower?

No. Swiping your ºù«Ӱҵ ID or tapping a credit card at the register is quick, efficient, and keeps the checkout line moving seamlessly.

*Health department regulations do not permit the use of personal to-go containers.

Food Redistribution

• After food can no longer be reheated or served in the Marketplace, it is frozen until student volunteers from the Excess Food Recovery Team (EFRT) is able to pick it up and redistribute it to local community organizations. This not only reduces the amount of food wasted in the Marketplace, but combats food insecurity in Los Angeles. 
• You can check out EFRT's donation tracking data. Since its founding in Fall of 2017, EFRT has donated over 10,000 pounds of food. For more information or to get involved, check out  on Instagram or contact the Program Coordinator Lena Sullivan at sullivanl@oxy.edu.

Food Scraps

• Twice per week, food scraps from the Marketplace are picked up by students from the Bruce Steele Garden and composted on-site. The finished compost is then cured and used as a soil amendment in the garden beds. 
• Additional food scraps and other compostable products (such as paper napkins and plates) are picked up and processed by Universal Waste Systems through the city of LA. 

Cooking Oil Recycling 

• Campus Dining contracts with Baker Commodities to reduce the amount of frying oil used via filtration. Once the oil is unusable, Baker Commodities recycles the fryer waste oil into biodiesel and animal feed. According to their website, "rendering has the same effect on the environment as removing 12,263,316 cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions from the environment each year." 

Disposables

• ºù«Ӱҵ Dining makes efforts to reduce the amount of disposable packaging used on campus and switch to compostable options wherever possible. To support these efforts, please make sure to sort your waste correctly and use reusable alternatives when you can. 

Zero Waste Working Group

In the spring of 2022, a subgroup of the Food Systems Working Group was formed in order to address waste issues on campus. Similarly to the FSWG, the Zero Waste Working Group is a collaboration between students, staff, and faculty that discusses issues and proposes solutions to issues regarding solid waste management. If you are a current student, staff member, or faculty member, !

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