Reuse To Go

Take-out food and beverages come with an unhealthy side of trash.

When you bring your own to-go cups and containers, you reduce pollution and waste from single-use disposables. Whether you simply pass on plastic utensils with your food order, bring your own reusable mug to the coffee shop, or use an entire zero-waste reuse to go kit for every take-out experience, each action you take adds up to make a big difference.

Everyday ways to reduce waste:

Bring your Own (BYO) refillable cup, mug or bottle for all to-go drinks
Just say NO. Opt out of straws, utensils and condiment packages for to-go orders or delivery
Dine-in for a trash-free experience
Bring your own bag for take-out orders
Turn empty jars into containers for leftover food
Use cloth napkins, cleaning towels
Reuse boxes
Use cloth diapers instead of disposables
Buy durable products instead of disposable
Support businesses that reuse
Bring your own reusable container for take-out and leftovers

Remember: “Phone, keys, wallet, reusable” – rethink your routine!

Remember Bags

Hang bags on your doorknob
Keep bags in the car
Keep a spare bag in your purse, briefcase, backpack – one bag is better than none!
Remember, you don’t need a special bag. Repurpose a beach tote, backpack or duffle bag

Remember Mugs and Bottles

Use a carabineer or clip to attach reusable water bottles to other things you’ll remember, like a purse, tote or lunch bag
When you wash your mug or bottle each night, put it back with your keys, wallet, glasses, etc. – things you’ll take with you when you leave home each day
Keep a spare in your purse, gym bag, diaper bag or backpack
Keep one in your car, office or locker

Remember Reuse / Zero Waste Kit

Keep a kit in your desk, trunk or backpack
Put it with your keys, phone, wallet, etc. in the usual grab and go spot
Pack your lunch kit complete with a healthy meal from home
Make cleaning your To-Go kit a daily routine so you’re always good to go

Know Your Rights

California Assembly Bill 619 was passed in July 2019 and explicitly allows reusable food containers to be refilled by either the owner/operator of a food facility or you, the consumer. The law allows consumers to supply their own clean reusable containers, so keep them clean to be sure they’ll be acceptable. Certain procedures apply to the food facility/vendor. Check Your Right to Reuse for tips to make BYO a breeze.

They’re Not Being Mean

Food vendors who don’t automatically add plastic utensils, straws or condiments aren’t being stingy; they’re just following the law. In an effort to reduce plastic trash in California, the ban on plastic straws went a step further with Assembly Bill 1276. Nicknamed the “California Utensil Law” of 2022, this law mandates that restaurants may only offer disposable food accessories (like chopsticks, utensils, straws, stir sticks, napkins and condiment packets) upon customer request – even for take-out and delivery orders. If you don’t need the extra trash, don’t take it.

More Tips

Learn how to host a trash-free event, and make your next outdoor adventure more sustainable.

Take the Pledge to Make a Difference

There are many things you can do to reduce your trash footprint. Make a pledge to continue doing the ones you already do, and choose the new actions you are willing to do.