Smarter Takeout Is On the Menu

General

Which cafes are participating?

The initial pilot is launching at CoHo Cafe at the Alumni Center and will expand to CoHo at Tresidder. Check back as more cafes will be added.

Where can I find a Friendlier return bin?

At or near the cafe you purchased your food or drink from.

Do I have to wash my container before returning?

Nope! Scrape food and dump liquids into the compost bin, and toss it in a Friendlier return bin.

What if my container or cup is broken?

Please still scan and return it to receive your deposit. We will make sure it gets properly recycled.

How many containers can I check out at once?

There’s no limit! Each container will include a refundable deposit. 

Who else provides returnable to-go containers?

Reusable to-go programs are already in place at many colleges and universities, including UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UCLA. There are also many cities in the Bay Area (and beyond) that offer reusable to-go programs, including Redwood City, San Mateo, Mountain View, Alameda, Berkeley, and Oakland. In addition, the Stanford Hospital has a reusable takeout program.

Getting Back Your Refundable Deposit

How do I get my refundable deposit back?

The easiest way to get your deposit back is to download the Friendlier app from the App Store or Google Play. From the app, scan the code on the container. Return the container to the cafe and drop it in a Friendlier bin. Once you set up your payment method in the app, you will receive your money through Zelle. Note: Use the email associated with your Zelle account. 

Prefer not to download the app? Scan the QR code on the container, enter your email & three-digit pin located on the container. Return to the designated bin. You will receive an email to set up a profile to claim your deposit. 

Fun fact for app users: you can see your impact, get cool badges, and win prizes!

Do I have to download the app?

Nope! When you scan the QR code on the container, you will be directed to a webpage where you can claim your deposit using your Zelle email and the container number located on the sticker. 

Why do I have to input my email address?

Your email address is used only to return your deposit. Once the container is returned, you can choose to receive your deposit through Zelle or a gift card—no bank account or credit card information is needed. Your email address is not used for any other purpose and is not shared.

Do I need to share my banking data or credit card information?

No. You do not need to provide any banking or credit card details. The deposit is sent via email through Zelle.

I do not want to share my email address. How do I claim my deposit?

An email address is required to claim your deposit. If you do not wish to share your personal email address, contact the cafe to see what alternative options are available.

How long does it take to get my money back?

Once you return your container to a Friendlier bin and claim your deposit, you will receive your money back in about 3-5 days (depending on your bank).

What if I don’t have Zelle®?

That’s okay! When cashing out, you will have the option to receive a gift card that you can use the next time you visit the cafe. 

Is there a deadline to return the container?

Nope! No official deadline, though we do recommend returning it soon after use to help keep it circulating.

What happens if I don’t return it?

No return = no money back. But more importantly, it means one less container in circulation. Return it so it can be washed and used again. 

What if my container is lost or stolen? Do I lose my deposit?

Email info@friendlier.com and they will sort it out!

I scanned my container, but didn’t get my deposit back. What should I do?

Email info@friendlier.com and they will sort it out! Please include the email address associated with your account, the container code that you scanned, and where/when you returned the container.

Health & Safety

 Is reuse sanitary?

Yes! We take sanitation very seriously. The high-temperature dishwashers are rated to kill over 99.999% of bacteria. This is the same standard used for reusable dishware in restaurants.

What are the containers made out of?

Not all plastics are created equal. The Friendlier containers are made from Polypropylene (Plastic #5), which is food-safe and BPA-free. The containers meet the Reusable Packaging System Design Standard established by PR3, an accredited standards developer by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The standards include requirements for durability, washability, material type, and recyclability. The standard also prohibits containers from containing materials like polycarbonate, polystyrene, PVC, and polyurethane, as well as chemicals like bisphenols and other restricted substances such as PFAS, phthalates, and heavy metals.

Can I put them in the microwave?

The containers are made from Polypropylene (Plastic #5), which is a microwave-safe material, meaning it can withstand heat without melting or cracking.

What about microplastics?

All plastics—whether reusable or single-use—can release microplastics over time with excess wear or when exposed to high heat. Friendlier inspects every container upon return and removes any that are scratched or degraded from circulation.

In addition, most conventional paper coffee cups are lined with plastic. For those looking to further reduce potential microplastic exposure, consider bringing a personal stainless-steel cup for your to-go order.

Environmental Sustainability

 Is reusable packaging better than compostable or recyclable?

Yes! Most of the environmental impact from packaging happens before you ever use it; during manufacturing, processing, and transportation. Reusable containers only need to be manufactured once, and the impact is driven down with each reuse. 

 Can I still use a personal reusable container?

Yes! You are encouraged to bring personal reusable cups and containers for your food and beverage orders.

Why are the containers plastic? 

To achieve the environmental benefits of a reusable system, containers need to be reused enough times to cancel out the emissions from manufacturing, transport, and washing. Friendlier’s plastic containers are designed to be reused up to 100 times, so the environmental benefit compounds with every use. Plastic containers are generally more durable and less likely to dent, crack, or break than steel or glass containers, enabling them to remain in circulation longer.

In addition, plastic containers are more convenient for cafes because they can be stacked, reducing the storage space required.

The containers are made from Polypropylene (Plastic #5), which is food-safe and BPA-free. The containers meet the Reusable Packaging System Design Standard established by PR3, an accredited standards developer by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The standards include requirements for durability, washability, material type, and recyclability. The standard also prohibits containers from containing materials like polycarbonate, polystyrene, PVC, and polyurethane, as well as chemicals like bisphenols and other restricted substances such as PFAS, phthalates, and heavy metals.

How much of an impact does this really make?

A lot! Transitioning from a single-use economy to a circular economy is key to building a sustainable future. And reusable to-go programs are a part of that future! The more containers circulate across campus, the more impact we can collectively have—one meal at a time.