Hollyburn Country Club Reported a Payback Window of Just 2 Months

Introduction

Hollyburn Country Club, one of Canada’s most prestigious private clubs, has set a new benchmark for sustainability by eliminating single-use food and beverage containers across its operations.

Located in West Vancouver, the club partnered with Reusables.com, a Vancouver-based startup leading the transition toward a zero-waste economy. Together, they introduced a smart, closed-loop reusable container system that combines technology, design, and member convenience.

"We wanted a solution that aligned with our member experience — premium, seamless, and sustainable. Reusables made that possible."
- Caitlin Lundy, Director of Sales & Communication, Hollyburn Country Club

Background: The Old System

Before implementing Reusables, Hollyburn relied heavily on single-use paper cups, plastic lids, and takeout containers for its food and beverage services.

With over 8,000 members frequently dining on-site, waste generation had become a serious issue:

• Disposables created visible clutter and waste management challenges.
• Recycling efforts weren’t solving the problem at the source.
• The club’s sustainability goals were difficult to achieve without a system change.
  

As Caitlin Lundy explained, “Members often received food or drink in single-use containers and discarded them on-site, which created a garbage problem. So we thought we should look for an alternative solution.”

Solution: Partnering with Reusables.com

Hollyburn selected Reusables.com to modernize its sustainability program with a technology-driven reuse system built in Vancouver.

Reusables provided stainless steel food and drink containers paired with smart return bins that members could access by scanning their container. Each container is digitally tracked, ensuring accountability and preventing loss — without requiring deposits or manual checkouts.

Key factors that drove Hollyburn’s decision:

• Smart technology: Scan-to-return bins automatically log and track container usage.
• Ease for members: Borrow containers at checkout and return them anytime — no fees unless unreturned.
• Sustainability with style: Premium stainless steel design fits the club’s upscale environment.
• Proven return rates: Technology ensures nearly 100% reuse through accountability and reminders.
  

"What matters in these programs is return rate. We’re striving to get as close to 100 per cent as possible."
‍- Jasper Law, Product Lead, Reusables.com

Implementation & Experience

The Reusables system launched at Hollyburn in early 2025, integrated into the club’s cafés, poolside service, and dining areas.

Reusables worked hand-in-hand with Hollyburn’s operations and communications teams to deliver:

• Custom signage and member messaging to align with the club’s tone.
• Staff training to ensure smooth operations at checkout and return stations.
• On-site support during rollout to optimize placement of smart bins and encourage adoption.
  

Members quickly embraced the system. Returns were effortless, and the digital reminders helped maintain near-perfect participation.

"Members loved that the containers looked great and were easy to use — it fit right into the club lifestyle," said Lundy.

Results: Measurable Impact Within Months

Since adopting Reusables, Hollyburn Country Club has achieved significant sustainability and cost-saving milestones:

• 8,000–10,000 single-use items saved every month — including paper cups, plastic lids, and takeout containers.
• Full cost recovery within two months of program launch.
• Strong member engagement with consistently high return rates.
  

These results underscore how smart reuse technology can align with luxury hospitality — without compromising on convenience or aesthetics.

"The initial cost of the system paid for itself within about two months."
- Caitlin Lundy, Director of Sales & Communication, Hollyburn Country Club

Key Takeaways

• Premium design meets sustainability: Reusable containers fit seamlessly into Hollyburn’s brand and operations.
• Technology drives accountability: Smart bins and digital tracking make reuse effortless and measurable.
• Fast ROI: The program delivered financial and environmental returns within months.
• Behavior change through convenience: Members embraced reuse because it was easy and elegant.
• Collaboration is key: Close coordination between Reusables and Hollyburn ensured a smooth, customized rollout.
  

“It wasn’t just a sustainability initiative — it became part of the Hollyburn experience.”

Conclusion

Hollyburn Country Club’s partnership with Reusables.com demonstrates how forward-thinking organizations can blend innovation, elegance, and environmental leadership.

By transitioning 8,000 members from single-use to smart reuse, Hollyburn proved that sustainability doesn’t need to be a compromise — it can be a hallmark of modern hospitality.

With results measurable in both impact and savings, the club stands as a model for how technology and design can make sustainability simple, profitable, and scalable.

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