Simon Fraser University: Long-Term Leadership in Zero-Waste Dining

Overview

Simon Fraser University (SFU) has partnered with Reusables.com for more than three years, creating one of Canada’s longest-running and most successful campus reuse programs. Operated by Chartwells Canada, SFU’s hospitality team continues to expand its zero-waste impact with a 99.63% return rate and more than 18,700 total reuses to date.

“Reusables’ team made it easy to implement a reusable container system that has a high return rate.” — Chris Koroneos, Compass Group Canada

Challenge

Before Reusables.com, SFU faced the same challenges as many large campuses: thousands of disposable containers used daily, high waste management costs, and limited tools to track impact. The university needed a sustainable solution that was reliable, easy to use, and measurable.

By 2021, SFU’s dining program—operated by Chartwells Canada—was ready to move beyond compostable packaging toward a fully circular system.

Solution

SFU introduced Reusables.com’s RFID-enabled reuse system, supported by five Smart Return Bins placed across campus. The system uses durable stainless steel containers that can be borrowed, scanned, and returned in seconds.

Reusables.com provided an end-to-end implementation: onboarding staff, configuring the software, and designing student-facing materials to promote adoption.

“Reusables’ team made it easy to implement a reusable container system that has a high return rate.” — Chris Koroneos, Compass Group Canada

Today, SFU has 904 total containers in circulation, with 871 currently in inventory and just 33 borrowed at any given time—a testament to the system’s efficiency and accountability.

Student Experience

Students quickly embraced the shift. Many cited the improved dining experience and container quality as major benefits.

“I used to never get sushi here because it comes in those terrible black plastic containers. Now that Reusables are available, I get sushi two to three times per week!” — SFU Student

The switch from single-use packaging not only enhanced the dining experience but also made sustainability tangible for students—every reuse directly contributing to measurable environmental savings.

Results

After three years of continuous operation, SFU’s Reusables program has achieved measurable and lasting impact:

• 18,773 total reuses and counting
• 99.63% container return rate
• 1,734 registered reusers across campus
• 0.94 tons of disposable waste diverted
• 3.76 tons of carbon emissions saved
• 18,774 litres of water conserved

The RFID-enabled data tracking gives SFU’s operations team full visibility into usage patterns, return compliance, and sustainability metrics—helping them report real impact with confidence.

Impact

SFU’s long-term commitment shows that reuse can be both sustainable and operationally efficient. The program has diverted nearly a ton of disposable waste while reducing both purchasing and waste management costs.

The 3.76 tons of carbon emissions saved and nearly 19,000 litres of water conserved demonstrate the measurable environmental benefits of reuse at scale. With strong student participation and consistent results, SFU continues to set the standard for zero-waste dining in Canada.

About Reusables.com

Reusables.com is a smart technology platform helping campuses, enterprises, and foodservice providers eliminate single-use packaging. With digital tracking, smart return bins, and real-time sustainability reporting, Reusables makes circular systems effortless to operate and scale.

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