Sustainability FAQ
Yes! We have a reusable to-go container program in both dining halls, and you can find full details on the program here!
Yes! We encourage you to bring your reusable mug or cup to the dining halls; this is the main form of taking a drink to go as we continue to move to a more sustainable campus. We also offer beverage discounts in select locations to incentivize the use of reusable bottles and mugs over single use cups.
CDS bottles and mugs are available for purchase, which are eligible for $0.25 off of refills at Lenoir Mainstreet, The Beach Café, Rams Market, Cafe McColl, Blue Ram, Café Converge, and Atrium Café.
Click here to learn more!
No! You only have to use one meal swipe per to-go container. However, if you would like to eat in the dining hall and take leftovers/additional food to-go, you will need to use a second meal swipe.
Learn more here!
No, you cannot bring your own food storage containers to the dining halls due to food safety protocol. We offer reusable to-go containers which are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use to ensure the risk of germs and cross contamination are mitigated.
More information can be found here!
We have a number of waste diversion initiatives in place to reduce our impact, including pre-and post-consumer composting, weekly surplus food donations, and source reduction strategies like Pick Your Portion.
Click here to learn more about our food recovery efforts!
We offer front-of-house compost and recycling bins in Chase, Lenoir Mainstreet, Beach Cafe, and the Student Union. There are also compost bins outside of most residence halls, and recycling bins can be found in all campus buildings! For more information on where to find bins, check out the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling’s website.
You can compost all food waste, napkins, green straws, BPI-certified compostable packaging, PLA #7 bioplastics (like our EcoProduct cups), and wooden utensils/chopsticks.
You can recycle plastic bottles, metal cans, glass jars, paper, and cardboard on campus. Make sure to keep cups out of the recycling bins!
When in doubt, throw it out!
For more information on how to sort waste, click here!