USEFULL Reusable Takeout Containers

USEFULL

USEFULL is CU °Ç¸ç³Ô¹Ï's reusable takeout container program. Instead of disposable containers, participating dining locations serve meals in durable stainless steel containers that you can return and reuse, helping reduce waste on campus.Ìý

The program is free to use as long as you return your container within three days.Ìý

Download the USEFULL app

USEFULL is currently available at:

Students, faculty, staff and campus visitors can participate by downloading the free USEFULL app and creating an account.Ìý

With the app, you can:
  • Show your checkout QR codeÌýÌý
  • View your checked-out containersÌýÌý
  • Review feesÌýÌý
  • Manage notificationsÌýÌý
  • Update your payment methodÌý
Download the USEFULL app

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How USEFULL Works

1. Create Your Account

Download the USEFULL app and create your free account. and Ìý

Once you're signed in, your personal QR code will appear automatically. You'll use this QR code every time you check out a container.Ìý

2. Check Out a Container

When you're ready to take your meal to go:Ìý

  • Open the USEFULL app.ÌýÌý
  • Dining staff will scan your container.ÌýÌý
  • Scan your personal QR code at the checkout kiosk.ÌýÌý
  • Wait for the confirmation screen before leaving.ÌýÌý

Once you see the confirmation screen, you're all set.Ìý

3. Enjoy Your Meal

Take your food wherever you'd like, even off campus.Ìý

Before returning your container:Ìý

  • Empty any leftover food or liquid.ÌýÌý
  • Don't wash it. Campus Dining will wash and sanitize every container before it's reused.ÌýÌý
  • Don't microwave it. Stainless steel containers are not microwave safe.Ìý
4. Return Your Container

Return your container within three days to keep using the program for free. You can return your container to any USEFULL return station—it doesn't have to be the same location where you picked it up.Ìý

To return it:Ìý

  • Visit any USEFULL return station.ÌýÌý
  • Scan the QR code on the bottom of the container.ÌýÌý
  • Wait for the green confirmation light.ÌýÌý
  • Place the container in the return station.ÌýÌý

Return Station Locations:

  • University Memorial Center (UMC), including near Alferd Packer GrillÌýÌý
  • Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community (SEEC) building near SEEC CaféÌý

Fees and Policies

Return your container to any USEFULL return station within three days to avoid fees.Ìý

  • Returned within three days: FreeÌýÌý
  • Returned after three days: $1 per day late fee until the container is returnedÌýÌý
  • Not returned after two weeks: The container is considered lost and a replacement fee is chargedÌý

Any late fees you've already paid count toward the replacement fee.Ìý

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ContainerReplacement fee
Cup$17
Meal container$25

FAQs

Sustainability is an important priority for our campus community, and students have consistently asked for more sustainable dining options. In response, Campus Dining & Hospitality partnered with the Environmental Center to launch USEFULL, a reusable container program that helps reduce waste in landfills, supports the return of composting efforts and promotes more sustainable dining practices. Every container checked out, returned and reused supports our campus commitment to sustainability.

  • Option 1: Download the USEFULL app and create an account there — Registering with the app is recommended for students and staff.
  • Option 2: Create an account at the USEFULL kiosk by the register with a credit/debit card tap
    (Apple Pay/Google Pay also accepted). This option is recommended for campus visitors.
  • The checkout happens on the USEFULL checkout kiosk at the location. First, scan your
    container(s), and then scan the QR code from your USEFULL app.
  • If you don’t have a QR code, you can tap your credit card instead.

Yes! Checking out a USEFULL container is a separate process than paying for your meal.

  • Yes, there is no upfront charge to use USEFULL.
  • Fees are only collected if the container is late or lost.
  • If users don’t bring the containers back within three days, the late fee is $1/day. After two weeks,
    containers are automatically considered lost. At this point, the cost of the container is charged $17 for a cup, $25 for a meal container. This fee is inclusive of, not in addition to, the already charged late fees.
  • USEFULL containers are completely free to use for up to three days. Users can choose to dine-in and return immediately, or they can take the containers to-go as long they return them within three days.
  • If users don’t bring the containers back within three days, the late fee is $1/day. After two weeks,
    containers are automatically considered lost. At this point, the cost of the container is charged $17 for a cup, $25 for a meal container. This fee is inclusive of, not in addition to, the already charged late fees.
  • Users are charged nothing up front. Fees are only collected if the container is late or lost.

USEFULL’s support team can handle that. Tell the user to reach out to support@usefull.us. They can also find the support email in their app.

Yes. Remember to return it to any USEFULL return station within three days, to avoid late fees of $1/day.

No. USEFULL containers are made from stainless steel and should never be placed in a microwave.Ìý

No. Empty your container and compost any food scraps or liquids before returning it. Campus Dining will wash and sanitize every container before it is reused.

  • There are USEFULL return stations located at Alferd Packer Grill, located on the first floor of the UMC and SEEC Cafe, located on East Campus in the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex (SEEC).
  • You can return to any return station, regardless of where you got your container.
  • There are USEFULL return stations located at Alferd Packer Grill and SEEC Cafe. Scan the
    container on the QR code scanner, then deposit it in the bin to return it.
  • No, you do not need to wash the container, it will be professionally dishwashed and sanitized
    before it’s used again. Just remember to scrape out your food waste into the compost bin before you return it.

Need help?

Questions about your account or containers? Contact USEFULL Support at support@usefull.us.Ìý