Sign up for ReusePass and make to-go service even more sustainable!
We use thousands of to-go containers on campus every year, and even when compostable, single-use containers have a significant environmental impact because of the energy, water and material resources used in make them. And let's be honest, even with compost collection in the dining halls, some of them will end up in the landfill.
Sign up to access reusable containers for the lowest impact option. It's easy!
How to sign up: Go to reusepass.com to create your free account and choose W&L from the main menu. Follow the prompts to create an account in seconds.
How to get a reusable container: If you want your food to go, ask the cashier at the register for a reusable container and have your QR code ready. They will scan the QR codes on the container and your account to "check out," just like with a library book. Add your ReusePass QR code to your mobile wallet or screenshot it for easy access.
How to return a container: Containers are due back within three days. Just scan your box and drop it in the ReusePass bin at the Marketplace entrance any time before the due date.
Have questions about ReusePass? Check out the FAQs below or contact the customer support team via text +1-818-423-5142 or email ReusePass@topanga.io. Questions specific to W&L program details can be directed to Director of Dining Services Alvin Wheeler.
ReusePass FAQs
How do I join?
To sign up, simply go to app.ReusePass.com, select Washington and Lee, and enter the details requested.*
*Only those with a W&L ID can enroll in the program.
If a student has an international phone number, please use the instructions below to sign up for the ReUse Pass Program.
You will first need a Gmail account to set up the google voice number. If you don't have a Gmail account, it is free to sign up.
Then select the device you will be using the phone number on. If you are using google voice because you don't have a cell phone, then you will likely select the "web" option.
Next, you'll see a page where you can select your phone number. Some cities will auto-populate. Click on whichever you'd like, and you'll automatically be assigned a phone number.
Next, you'll be prompted to verify with an existing phone number. Here you will need to sign up for a third-party phone number service to get a temporary number to authenticate the google voice number. You can use a landline you will just need to choose the option, verify by phone.
* If you have access to a cell phone that you can use to verify the google voice number – feel free to do that! Please note this will link the Google phone number and the mobile number, but ReusePass notifications will be sent to the Gmail account you used to sign up.
Once you have the google phone number, join on ReUse Pass.
How do I check-out reusable containers?
You'll need to request a reusable container at the cash register. The cashier will ask for your ReusePass QR code before you can get your meal.
Pro tip: add your ReusePass to your mobile wallet so it's always easy to find!
Where and how to return container?
Returning containers is easy! Simply compost remaining food scraps and visit the return bin located in front of The Marketplace entrance. Scan your reusable box's QR code using the scanning device located on the drop off bin and drop your empty container in the ReusePass bin.
Once returned, the dining team will collect and sanitize all returned containers.
Containers can be returned 24 hours a day.
How long can I keep my container?
Containers are due back 3 days after check-out, but we recommend returning them as soon as you're done so they can get sanitized and recirculated in the ReusePass ecosystem!
If you forget to return a container by the due date, we'll send you a text reminding you to return the container ASAP to avoid a late fee.
Don't worry – our ReusePass app makes it easy to see container statuses and due dates!
How do I know which container to return?
Great question! You don't need to keep track of the exact containers you've checked out each day, any container of the same type due will count as a return. For example, if you have 5 reusable containers at home and 1 is due today, you can return any one of them to complete your rental.
You can see how many containers you have checked out and their status back by visiting your ReusePass account.
Why is there a 3-day return window?
The 3-day window exists to encourage participants to return their containers in a timely fashion, so they can get washed and reused.
This means we can serve the same number of students with fewer containers! It ensures the efficiency and workflow of the Reuse program, helping to create a healthier and happier planet.
What happens if I don't return a container on-time?
If the container is not returned within 10 days, a $10 late fee will be applied to your account.
What happens if a container breaks?
Accidents happen! If a container breaks, please go ahead and return the broken container by the due date.
It's important to return broken containers on time so we can give you credit for reusing! The dining team will use the QR code on the container to mark it as broken so they can understand the lifespan - and environmental impact - of each container!
I'm just one person, can I really have an impact?
Yes! Last semester, students participating in the ReusePass program around the US helped save more than 53,800 lbs of waste from going to landfills, conserved more than 361,400 gallons of water and saved nearly 375,900 lbs of GHG emissions from going out into the atmosphere. That's HUGE impact!
