Traditional transport packaging — such as plastic pallet wrap, low-grade wood pallets, cardboard boxes, and dunnage — is typically used for a brief time to move goods in a supply chain, then thrown away. Plastic film, like pallet wrap, is the biggest type of plastic waste from businesses. In Alameda County, it makes up about half of all the plastic they discard.
Replacing disposable plastic film with reusable pallet wraps or rubber pallet bands not only prevents waste but also saves money and makes securing loads onto pallets faster and safer for workers. Other reusable transport packaging materials eligible for StopWaste grant funding include durable pallets, hand-held crates, bulk containers, refillable drums, and dunnage.
Numbers Cards
95%
Less packaging waste compared to single-use alternatives.
29%
Fewer greenhouse gas emissions from reusable transport packaging systems.
100+
Companies helped through StopWaste's Use Reusables program since 2007.
Reusable Transport Packaging: Intro Video
Learn how reusables can help your organization reduce solid waste and GHG emissions, while reducing disposal costs and improving worker safety.
Funding & Assistance
Equipment Grants for Reusable Transport Packaging
StopWaste offers equipment grants of up to $10,000 to help Alameda County organizations replace single-use transport packaging with durable, reusable alternatives.
- Eligible applicants: Nonprofits, businesses, institutions (such as colleges, universities, healthcare facilities, research labs), and school districts operating in Alameda County. Government agencies and municipalities are not eligible.
- Eligible equipment: Reusable pallet wraps, rubber pallet bands, durable pallets, hand-held crates and totes, bulk containers, refillable drums, and protective dunnage — anything that replaces single-use transport packaging with a lasting reusable alternative.
- Grant applications will reopen in Fall 2026. To get notified when the next cycle opens, contact Michelle Fay at mfay@stopwaste.org. For general information about StopWaste funding programs, visit Grants & Funding.
Free Technical Assistance
Not sure where to start? StopWaste offers free, no-obligation support to help you evaluate your options and plan the transition to reusables. Assistance includes:
- Equipment and vendor recommendations tailored to your operation
- Cost-benefit analysis comparing reusable vs. disposable packaging
- Help with return logistics and supplier coordination
Contact Michelle Fay at mfay@stopwaste.org to get started.
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GRANTEE SPOTLIGHTS
Success Stories
See how Alameda County organizations have cut costs, reduced waste, and improved operations by switching to reusable transport packaging — from Ghirardelli eliminating 70,000 cardboard boxes a year to Full Belly Farm paying back their investment in under 5 months.
Resource List
Reusable Transport Packaging Resources
Introduction to Reusable Transport Packaging (Slideshow)
Slide deck from a StopWaste “Use Reusables” webinar introducing businesses and institutions to the different types of reusable transport packaging and their benefits across various industries.
Container Loss Prevention Guide for Reusable Transport Packaging
Reusable transport packaging (Reusables) like reusable plastic containers (RPCs), durable pallets, and reusable pallet wraps are valuable assets that can help reduce operational costs, but only if systems are in place to keep them in the supply chain. This 2-page guide outlines best practices suitable for small-scale distributors that can help keep a maximum number of containers accounted for.
Cleaning and Sanitation Practices for Reusable Transport Packaging
Like any food-contact surface, Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) must be cleaned and sanitized as frequently as necessary to ensure sanitary conditions. If using commercial sanitation equipment is not an option for your operation, follow the guidance provided in this 2-page guide. Also available in Chinese and Spanish.
Reusable Transport Cost Calculators
To determine if reusable transport packaging will add profit to your company's bottom line, you must compare the costs for one-time or limited-use packaging with the costs of Reusables, including any costs for reverse logistics (transporting empty containers back to your facility). Our downloadable Excel-based calculators will walk you through all cost components and help you determine per-trip costs and total savings with Reusables, compared to one-time use or limited-use packaging. Note that the results can only be a general indication and not an absolute indication of exact cost benefits.
More Resources
- Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) — Trade association of manufacturers, poolers, distributors, and retailers committed to reusable packaging systems. Promotes the environmental, safety, and economic benefits of reusable packaging.
- Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (RIPA) — Represents North American reconditioners, manufacturers, and distributors of reusable industrial packaging. Promotes safe and sustainable design, manufacturing, and reuse for industrial packaging.
- California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) — Nonprofit coalition of local governments, business partners, and environmental associations advocating for Extended Producer Responsibility to reduce the lifecycle impact of products and packaging.
Types of Reusable Transport Packaging
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Hand-Held Containers
Reusable hand-held containers are compact bins, crates or totes that typically replace disposable boxes used for storage and shipping. These versatile containers are made from durable materials (typically plastic, wood, or metal), and are typically designed to stack, nest, or collapse when not in use for significant space savings. They often include handles, lift systems and other ergonomic features that improve worker safety.
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Pallets
Pallets are used in storage or shipment, as the structural foundation of a unit load. Goods or shipping containers are typically secured to a pallet with strapping or stretch wrap. While many pallets are wooden, pallets can also be made of plastic, metal, paper, and recycled materials. Plastic, metal, and some high quality wooden pallets are particularly durable and considered reusable if they last for more than 50 trips. Tracking technology such as RFID may be embedded for additional efficiencies.
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Pallet Wraps & Bands
Pallet wraps and bands are reusable alternatives to plastic stretch film. They are made of heavy duty mesh, plastic, canvas, or other materials. Often easier and quicker to install and remove than plastic stretch film, pallet wraps and bands reduce costs for disposable stretch wrap, labor and disposal. They provide excellent product protection and typically last from 1-5 years.
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Bulk Containers & Drums
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are reusable industrial containers designed to transport and store bulk liquid and granulate substances such as chemicals, food ingredients, solvents and pharmaceuticals. IBCs are typically stacked and mounted on pallets to be moved with a forklift.
Drums are cylindrical containers typically used to transport and store liquids and powders. Reusable drums can be made of steel or plastics, and are often certified for shipment of dangerous goods. Fiber drums made from dense paperboard are generally not considered reusable.
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Dunnage
Goods are often packed with void fillers, inflatable air bags, plywood braces and other short-lived packaging materials to prevent damage during transport. Protective reusable dunnage replaces single- or limited-use fillers to move pallets and products securely, in an environmentally conscious manner.
Is Reusable Transport Packaging Right for You?
If two or more of the statements below apply to your operations, reusable transport packaging may be a good fit for your organization.
Shipping Logistics
- You ship or receive goods in large or frequent shipments.
- Your shipping volume is relatively consistent.
- You use localized delivery routes or "milk runs" (frequent truck routes with the same start and end point).
Operations
- You have high packaging waste or disposal costs.
- You're making ongoing purchases of stretch wrap, boxes, or pallets.
- You're seeing frequent product damage during shipping.
- You have limited storage space. (Many reusables collapse when empty.)
- Workers have safety concerns related to current packaging practices such as frequent bending or lifting.
Organizational Readiness
- You have control over your shipping decisions.
- Your suppliers or vendors are open to operational changes.
- You have cost reduction or environmental sustainability goals.
Call to Action
Ready to Make the Switch?
Contact StopWaste to discuss your project and learn about grant funding for reusable transport packaging.