Reusable Container Program Pilot
Check it Out - Literally
HUDS and Mather House are partnering to pilot a new reusable container check-out program. We want to make it easy for you to take food to go from the dining hall in a more sustainable way (last year, we used more than 300,000 compostable to-go containers in the undergraduate locations).
Beginning Monday, Oct 7, Mather residents can borrow reusable containers just like you borrow library books. Scan your HUID, scan the barcode on the container, and take your food to go!
You can have up to two containers out at a time. Return them to the dining hall dish line so they can be washed and checked back in. Lose a container? Just like a library book, after a few weeks (and warnings), your term bill will be charged $5 per container.
- Do I need any special apps or software to borrow containers?
- No, the container program uses library technology to "lend" containers. All you need is your Harvard ID to borrow them.
- Is there a cost to participate?
- No, there is no cost to borrow and use a reusable container. That said, your term bill will be charged $5 for every container you do not return within the designated borrowing time (3 weeks).
- How many containers may I have at a time?
- Users may have up to two containers checked out at any given time.
- Can I wash the container myself and just reuse it?
- No, by Massachusetts Food Code, we must wash the container between each use. This prevents foodborne illness concerns. No matter how gross it is, we can clean it.
- How should I keep my food-to-go safe?
- It is your responsibility to consume or refrigerate your meal within two hours for your safety. Food should not be held in the refrigerator for more than a few days.
- What do I do when I'm done with the container?
- Return your used container as soon as possible to the Mather dining hall dish line. Please try to return your container promptly – dirty containers draw pests and reduce our supply of containers for other people to use.
- Also, please do not leave used containers in classrooms or non-dining residential spaces. If you are not willing or able to return the container, please request a compostable container.
- How do I know how many containers I have out?
- The borrowed containers will show up in your Hollis account just like a library book. You can track them there to see that they get checked back in by our team.
