Sustainability FAQ
Yes! ReusePass is our reusable to-go container program available in both dining halls. This program helps us reduce single-use packaging on campus. Anyone with an onyen can sign up, and you can find full details on the program here!
No! You only have to swipe in once to take food to-go, and will then scan your ReusePass QR code to check out a container. However, if you would like to eat in the dining hall and take food to-go, or would like to check out two containers, you will need to use a second meal swipe.
Learn more here.
Yes, please! We encourage you to bring your reusable mug or cup to our dining locations. We also offer beverage discounts in select locations to incentivize the use of reusable bottles and mugs over single use cups.
Click here to learn more.
No, you cannot bring your own food storage containers to the dining halls due to food safety protocol. We offer reusable to-go containers through ReusePass, and these are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each use to ensure the risk of germs and cross contamination are mitigated.
Any food taken outside of the dining halls must be in our green containers checked out through ReusePass.
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, and Beach Cafe. There are also compost bins outside of select residence hall communities, 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! This helps reduce contamination in our waste streams.
For more information on how to sort waste, click here!
We compost all food waste and compostable packaging that is brought to our dining hall dish returns! By placing bins behind the dish return, we are able to reduce contamination and ensure waste is properly sorted by our team.
Everyone can play a role in creating a more sustainable Carolina! Below are some sustainable habits you can adopt to make a difference:
- Eat Climate-Friendly: Plant-forward eating is a great way to reduce your carbon “foodprint.” Try a Coolfood Meal or our Plant Forward station in the dining halls!
- Reduce Food Waste: Try Pick Your Portion in the dining halls to customize your plate to your needs, and be mindful when filling your plate – you can always go back for more! You can also compost your leftovers at Lenoir and Beach Cafe, and bring your compost from home to the Edible Campus Gardens and select residence halls.
- Sort Smart: Check out our Disposables Guide to learn how to sort packaging on campus between compost, recycling, and landfill.
- Choose to Reuse: Sign up for ReusePass to check out reusable to-go containers from the dining halls, and bring your reusable water bottles, straws, and utensil kits to campus to reduce single use packaging!