Choose to Reuse

More and more restaurants throughout California are switching to reusables for dine-in and take-out. They're finding that customers love them, they’re better for the planet, and they’re better for business. This page contains all the information you need to learn why Reusables Win in California, as well as helpful resources you can use to make the switch!

Why do reusables win?

 
 

It’s all about the cost.

The data from hundreds of case studies shows that making the switch from single-use to reuse for on-site dining always ends up saving money – 100% of the time – even when you take into account the set-up and ongoing costs. Using sanitized reusable foodware for orders instead of disposables can save a restaurant on average $3,000 – $22,000 annually, while increasing operational efficiency. We also know that reusables become cheaper than disposable items after a handful of uses:

  • 12 oz glass cup: cheaper than disposables after just 4 uses

  • 12 oz ceramic mug: cheaper than disposables after just 12 uses

  • 9 in ceramic plate: cheaper than disposables after just 18 uses

  • Utensil set: cheaper than disposables after just 16 uses

Check out some compelling ReThink Disposable case studies on the cost savings for reusables below.

  • La Victoria Taqueria

    $24,648 in annual net savings, 8,433 pounds of waste reduced per year.

  • J&J Hawaiian BBQ

    J&J Hawaiian: $20,517 in annual net savings, 9,722 pounds of waste reduced per year.

  • Han Ten Boiler

    $3,988 in annual savings, 318,271 disposable items prevented from entering landfills and oceans.

  • Manila Eatery

    $4,683 in annual net savings, 2,240 pounds of waste reduced per year.

 

Technical Assistance

Free assistance may be available in your area to help your business navigate making the switch to reusables. 

ReThink Disposable: ReThink’s cost-free assistance helps restaurants transition to more reusables with expert guidance to navigate the process which, for many, can be daunting. They even have money to assist qualified businesses purchase reusable foodware. Get in touch today. 

Other CA cities: Contact us and we'll help you find a local organization in your area to assist you in switching to reusables, including navigating local ordinances and making sure you get the most out of any available incentives and rebates.

Plastic Free Restaurants: Plastic Free Restaurants pay for the switch from single-use plastic to reusables! See FAQs

Reusable Foodware Flyer

Reuse Restaurants of San Mateo County Reuse Restaurants of San Mateo County

Jersey Joe’s Coastside

“Customers are very happy to see that we are making the effort to be more environmentally conscious!”

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Reuse Restaurants of San Mateo County Reuse Restaurants of San Mateo County

Cyclismo Cafe

“When you are a local business and you have your own family living here you see taking care of your community as part of your responsibilities.”

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Reuse Restaurants of San Mateo County Reuse Restaurants of San Mateo County

Taste of Burma

“We would like to bring the authentic Burmese food to everyone in the Bay Area.”

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Reuse Restaurants of San Mateo County Reuse Restaurants of San Mateo County

Los Cuates

“Our food looks and tastes better when we serve it on real plates with real utensils. We also save money because we pay less for waste.”

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