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 can 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
Next time you go out for food or coffee, consider dining-in on reusable dishware or request a mug at a major coffee chain
Just say NO. Opt out of straws, utensils and condiment packages for to-go orders or delivery
Bring your own bag for take-out orders
Use cloth napkins
Turn empty jars into containers for leftover food
Use cloth cleaning towels
Reuse boxes
Purchase refillable pens
Compost
Use cloth diapers instead of disposables
Buy products made from recycled materials
Support businesses that are implementing disposable packaging reduction practices
Bring your own reusable container for take out, and restaurant leftovers

Start your own Reuse To Go kit to make single-use disposables a thing of the past. Reusable napkins, bags, utensils, cups, bottles, wraps, containers and straws are available in a wide variety of materials and designs to fit your lifestyle.

Need help to remember?

Try these tips to help you remember to bring your reusable…

Bags

Hang bags on your doorknob
Stick a reminder on the door
Keep bags in the car, in the trunk or backseat; remember that your unloading chore is not complete until the bags are back in the car
Keep a spare bag folded up in your purse, briefcase, backpack or glove compartment – one bag is better than none!
Add “Bags” as the first item on your shopping list
Remember, you don’t need a special bag. Repurpose a beach tote, backpack or duffle bag
Assign bag duty to your child as your family’s “official bag monitor and shopping assistant” with the task of reminding you to bring your bags into the store

Mugs and water bottles

Use a carabineer or key chain 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 a spare in your car, office or locker
Stick a reminder on the door

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 part of your daily routine, complete with returning it to your grab and go spot

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. Facilities may accept approved reusable containers for the customer's personal drink or meal order. 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.

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 effective June 1, 2022 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 really need the extra trash, don’t take it.

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 commit to.