Reusable Foodware System & Service Providers
The service providers listed on this page have successfully completed StopWaste’s Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process, aimed at identifying businesses and nonprofits able and interested in delivering reusable foodware solutions for projects in Alameda County. Note that RFQ submissions are still welcome and accepted on an ongoing basis. Click here to access the RFQ.
By publishing this list, StopWaste hopes to facilitate partnerships and idea generation for grant-funded pilot projects, with the long-term goal of building infrastructure for reusable foodware systems in Alameda County.
Reusable foodware systems and services are an innovative and emerging industry. While the below list aims to describe each organization’s core services, users are encouraged to learn more on the websites listed and reach out to individual organizations for more information. If direct contacts are desired, StopWaste may be able to facilitate. Please email Ben Duggan at bduggan@stopwaste.org.
Reusable Foodware Systems
A reusable foodware system is typically a turn-key service, where the vendor provides dishware, inventory management, collection and washing of used dishes as well as redistribution of clean foodware for take-out and delivery of prepared food, or a subset of these services. Custom solutions may include part of the service, e.g. dishwashing/sanitizing of foodware provided by a customer or another reusable foodware service, closed loop systems within specific distribution parameters (e.g. meal services), etc. Vendors listed include both business-to-business providers and those serving end consumers directly.
|
Organization |
Currently operating in the Bay Area? |
Services |
Typical clients |
Dishjoy |
Yes |
Reusable dishware for corporate campuses and offsite dishwashing service for other providers of reusable foodware systems. |
Corporate campuses, institutional dining, ghost kitchens/meal delivery services, special events, and reusable foodware system providers. |
FoodWare |
Yes | App-based reusable container service, inventory tracking and impact reporting software. Also offers technical assistance. | Restaurants, corporate and college campuses, caterers, event venues, and institutional dining. |
Friendlier |
No |
App-based reusable container service. Also offers technical assistance. |
Restaurants, prepared meal retailers (e.g. grocery stores), event venues, and schools. |
Encora (Green Grub Box) |
No |
App-based reusable container service, and inventory management software. Dishes and washing for events. |
Airports, colleges and corporate campuses, hospitals, restaurants, festivals, stadiums, ghost kitchens. |
M'Porte
|
No |
Membership- and App-based reusable container service. Also offers technical assistance. |
Restaurants, grocery and retail stores, and institutions. |
Muuse
|
Yes |
App-based reusable cup & container service. |
Cafes and restaurants, office spaces, campuses, food courts, and events. |
Okapi |
Yes | App-based reusable cup & container network. Also offers technical and marketing assistance. | Cafes and restaurants, office spaces, and college campuses. |
Piikup |
Yes | Distributes food in reusable foodware and collects empty containers in partnership with food vendors. | Caterers, meal delivery services, and nonprofits. |
SPARKL
|
Yes |
Reusable foodware supplier and servicer. Reuse tracking technology, database, and hardware provider.
|
Restaurants, corporate offices, institutions, senior meals/bulk meal delivery, events, grocery stores, and community food markets. |
USEFULL |
Yes |
App-based reusable container service, inventory tracking and impact reporting software. Also offers technical assistance. |
Cafes, restaurants, college and corporate campuses, institutional dining. |
Vessel Works
|
Yes |
Reusable cup service. Also offers technical assistance.
|
Cafes and restaurants. |
WeUse |
Yes |
App-based reusable container service. Also offers technical assistance.
|
Restaurants, institutions, and airports. |
Reusables at Events
Note that in addition to these event-focused organizations, several of the Reusable Foodware Systems providers listed in the previous table may also offer event-based services.
|
Organization |
Currently operating in the Bay Area? |
Service |
Typical clients |
r.Cup |
No |
Reusable cup system for venues and events in partnership with Dishcraft (see table above) for washing. |
Music venues, stadiums, and outdoor festivals and events. |
SudBusters |
Yes |
Reusable food ware systems for events. |
Small and large events, music festivals and venues. |
Container Distributors
Note that the vendors listed below do not provide collection and washing logistics.
|
Organization |
Currently operating in the Bay Area? |
Product |
Clients |
ARRRC Pizza Box |
Yes |
Reusable pizza boxes. |
Restaurants, end consumers, and reusable foodware services. |
ECOlunchbox |
Yes |
Food containers for home and commercial use. Also provides technical assistance. |
Restaurants, end consumers, and reusable foodware services. |
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance services may include help with logistics for a given service agreement, outreach to and recruitment of participating food service businesses and/or customers, management of incentive funding, and other support with reusable foodware systems.
|
Organization |
Currently operating in the Bay Area? |
Service |
Clients |
Clean Water Fund, ReThink Disposable |
Yes | Technical assistance for food facilities to switch to reusable foodware. Nonprofit. | Restaurants, corporate campuses, institutions, and end consumers. |
Environmental Innovations |
Yes |
Technical assistance for food facilities to switch to reusable foodware. |
Restaurants, corporate campuses, institutions, and end consumers. |
Plastic Free Future |
Yes | Technical assistance for food facilities to switch to reusable foodware. Helps businesses comply with local ordinances. Nonprofit. | Restaurants, other food vendors, and end consumers. |
Plastic Free Restaurants |
Yes |
This nonprofit subsidizes the purchase of reusable foodware with private donations and provides technical assistance. |
Restaurants and schools. |
Race to Zero Waste |
Yes | Technical assistance to institutions, schools, and restaurants to switch to reusable foodware. Also provides refillable water stations and systems for reusable cups and water bottles at events. Nonprofit. | Institutions, schools, restaurants, and community events. |