U.S. restaurants contribute nearly 9 million tons of waste annually through disposable containers, cups, lids, and utensils—equivalent to the weight of 25 Empire State Buildings. Almost 80% of this waste stems from takeout and delivery, as noted in the Upstream’s Reuse Wins report.
Initially, two apps, PlasticScore and Jybe, attempted to tackle this issue by allowing diners to rate restaurants based on their packaging. Users could score takeout packaging, assessing restaurants by their use of single-use plastic and foam. However, the success of these apps required a substantial number of reviews in each area, a target that was not met in most cities, leading to their decline.
Both apps have since ceased operations, giving way to a new strategy: services that replace disposable containers with reusable ones that consumers can borrow and return.
Borrow, Return, Repeat
Emerging services focus on reusable, durable containers designed for multiple uses. Customers can order takeout in containers often made of BPA-free polypropylene, which are rated for approximately 1,000 uses. Once returned to any participating location, the containers are cleaned and reintroduced into circulation.
The environmental benefits hinge on how frequently containers are reused. A University of Michigan study in 2023, published in Resources, Conservation & Recycling, found that reusable containers begin to outperform single-use packaging environmentally after 4 to 13 uses. Specifically, it takes 4 to 6 uses to offset the additional greenhouse gases from production, and 8 to 13 to counterbalance the extra energy used in reusability. However, if 5% of customers make special trips just to return containers, the environmental benefits may diminish.
Successful reuse systems rely on containers remaining in circulation, with returns integrated into regular trips. Upstream’s analysis suggests break-even points vary from 2 to 122 uses depending on the material, with steel, glass, and ceramics being viable for thousands of uses.
Where the Networks Operate Now
DeliverZero is currently undergoing a transition. This app, which was the most established in the U.S., initially launched in New York in 2019. It allowed diners to choose reusable containers for their Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Toast orders at a cost of about $1, with the option to return them to any participating restaurant. At its height, it boasted a return rate of nearly 98% across around 300 restaurants in New York, Denver-Boulder, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. In 2025, Minnow Technologies acquired DeliverZero, pausing its operations to develop a new platform. As of mid-2026, they are working on a next-generation reuse system rather than offering a live consumer service.
Recirclable operates in the Northeast with a library-style checkout system. Users download the free app, order from a participating restaurant, and are only charged if they don’t return the container within 14 days. The app has been active for about four years and expanded into Western Massachusetts in December 2025.
Reusables.com targets campuses and institutions with its Tap-to-Reuse system, which uses RFID or QR codes on cups and containers and collects them through smart return bins. The company reports a return rate of nearly 99% in institutional dining, including 99.6% at Simon Fraser University, and it has secured $3.6 million in funding. This model is common in university or corporate cafeterias.
Vessel Works has been managing reusable cups in cafés in Boulder and Berkeley since 2015 and licenses its system to other operators. On college campuses, Grubhub partners with Topanga to offer reuse services. Universities are a promising growth area for fostering long-term reuse habits among young people.
Some cities have established their own systems. For instance, Ann Arbor, Michigan, provides containers and allows restaurants to opt in, offering residents a unified program for returns.
Availability is still local and variable, so it’s advisable to verify what’s available in your area before ordering.
What You Can Do
- Look for a reuse option at order time. In Uber Eats or DoorDash, check for a reusable-container option at nearby restaurants. In serviced metros, look for local programs like Recirclable, and on campuses, inquire with dining services about their offerings.
- Bring your own container. Many restaurants will fill a clean container you bring for pickup orders. Additionally, carry reusable utensils to avoid needing the disposable set.
- Ask for less. If reuse and BYO aren’t available, request no bag and skip unnecessary utensils, straws, and condiment packets (often just a tap away in delivery apps). Choose paper over foam when possible.
- Tell restaurants it matters. Reuse companies find that diners often choose restaurants with reuse options, prompting operators to respond to this demand.
Handle what you do get wisely. Use the Earth911 Recycling Search to determine what your area accepts, and keep “compostable” or bioplastic containers out of the recycling bin, as they generally require industrial facilities and can contaminate the entire load.
Related Reading
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 20, 2022, under the headline “Apps Rate Restaurants for Earth-Friendly Packaging.” It was substantially updated in July 2026.
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