By Michela Gritti
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the Division of Student Affairs emailed UNCP students announcing the launch of a new Reusable Container Program adopted by the Dining Hall.
Students, faculty and staff can purchase a reusable to-go container for a one-time fee of $5. The initial fee is refundable at the end of the semester as long as the final container is returned.
Once enrolled in the program, customers receive a clean container for their first to-go meal. On their next visit to the cafeteria, they return the used container and are given a clean one in exchange. The process follows a circular system that repeats each time, with a dirty container turned in and a sanitized one taken out.
Participants can opt out of the program at any time by returning their last container and requesting a refund.
The day after the email was sent, the @bravesdining Instagram account shared a post addressing questions and concerns about the new program. Titled “Four Misconceptions About the New To-Go Box,” the post clarified that students are not charged each time they request a container. Instead, the $5 fee is paid once and refunded when the final container is returned. The post also emphasized that students are not responsible for washing the containers, as Dining Services handles cleaning after every use.
“As long as the container is returned the program will result in no cost to students, but a big gain for the environment,” the post stated, adding that the initiative is not a cost-cutting measure but part of a broader effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability on campus.
Tony DeLuca, resident district manager at UNC Pembroke for Aramark, said the program was introduced to curb disposable waste while encouraging environmentally responsible habits among students.
“We are excited to introduce a system for reusable to-go boxes, which we believe will play a crucial role in reducing waste on campus,” DeLuca said. “By making this process simple and accessible, we hope to encourage widespread participation and foster a culture of environmental responsibility within our community.”
DeLuca added that Dining Services continually evaluates best practices nationwide and that sustainability, student convenience and waste reduction were central motivations behind the program’s launch. He said similar initiatives at other universities have produced strong results, pointing to UNC Wilmington’s program, which he described as “highly successful and praised by students.”
Dining Services plans to evaluate the program through container-use data and student feedback, DeLuca said, noting that both numbers and personal experiences will help guide improvements.
Student reactions to the new containers have been largely positive.
“For me, I like the new to-go boxes in the cafeteria,” said Chelsy Yupo, a resident of Cypress Hall. “It promotes sustainability and it would really lessen the garbage of each student. The new box is also very sturdy and secure compared to the old one.”
Alyson Murray, a Cypress Hall resident, SGA senator and chancellor ambassador, welcomed the return of the containers after they were discontinued in spring 2023.
“As the university grows, so does the importance of a sustainable community,” Murray said, adding that the refundable deposit makes the program accessible for students living on campus. She noted that while some students have raised concerns about cleanliness, the boxes are washed in the same way as dining hall dishes.
“They provide a safe and reusable option for carrying out dining hall food,” Murray said, though she added she would like to see more food compartments and a smaller container option for salads or fruit.
Jaider Rivas, a marketing intern for UNCP Dining, also highlighted the environmental benefits.
“The to-go boxes are helpful because they reduce the amount of plastic waste produced by students,” Rivas said. “Since there is a small cost, students don’t need to clean them themselves; they can simply return the box to the cafeteria and receive a clean one.” He added that the ability to pay with Flex Dollars or Dining Dollars makes participation convenient, but he reminded students that losing a container requires paying again for a replacement.
The program follows a growing trend among colleges nationwide. UNC Wilmington has implemented a plastic-free to-go container system using stainless steel, while UNC Greensboro has adopted a similar model aimed at cutting plastic waste. Nationally, the University of Pittsburgh operates a “Choose to Reuse” program to serve half of its to-go meals in reusable containers, and Georgia Southern University’s ReusePass initiative allows students to check out containers to avoid both extra charges and single-use packaging.
With the introduction of this new reusable container program, UNC Pembroke has joined a growing list of institutions working to promote more sustainable dining practices, reminding students that small changes can make a big difference.
