Thank you for visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo! For free, you can check out containers for your entire meal. Just remember to return your rented container by your due date to avoid a fee! Please scroll through our website to learn more.
Reusable Packaging: A Smarter Choice for a Cleaner World
REUSO helps food and beverage operators transition away from disposables in an effort to make a positive impact on their customers and the environment.
Our Platform
Initial Registration
Checking Out a Container
Where We Work
Large Events & Gatherings
Events, Conferences, Expos, Festivals
We help event organizers create experiences with easy to implement reusables programming that makes reuse easy and attendees feel good.
Food Operations
Restaurants, Corporate and Museum Campuses, Universities, Hospitals & More
Our B2B and B2C software offerings can be catered towards open or closed loop environments. Transition to reusables with confidence!
REUSO Answers: Why Reusables?
22 million pounds
of plastic pollutions ends up in the Great Lakes each year
- Alliance for the Great Lakes
50% of the
300M
tons of plastic produced every year is single-use; that's equivalent to the weight of Earth's entire population
- National Resources Defense Council
250%
estimated increase in consumption of single-use plastics since the start of COVID-19.
- International Solid Waste Foundation
Replacing just 20% of single-use plastic packaging with reusables offers the food service industry a savings opportunity of $10B.
- International Solid Waste Foundation
Our Impact
2,343
disposables saved from landfills
215kg
of CO2 prevented
37kg
of waste prevented
Climate Champion Award Win
REUSO was the recipient of the Chicago Innovation's 2022 first-ever Champion Award!
REUSO was born from our passion to reduce single-use waste.
We combine decades of management and tech implementation experience, to design a platform capable of scaling reusables. Today we have partners and allies who, like us, are driven to better the environment.
Participating Locations and Return Bins
What We're Up To
REUSO had the honor of ringing the opening bell with fellow Chicago Innovation Award attendees. As climate innovators, REUSO is challenging the status quo to help businesses - small and large - reduce their overall packaging while promoting conservation and a cleaner planet for generations to come
ABC7 caught up with us at one of our pilot partners, Blue Food Company, to discuss how REUSO helps restaurants save money and the planet while appealing to their eco conscious consumers.
Head over to Wild Onion Brewery to try REUSO for your takeout or leftovers!
Would you like your coffee or tea in a reusable mug? Now you can have that! Go to either Necessary and Sufficient's Printers Row or Logan Square location to check out a REUSO cup today.
Are you a food establishment located in the Chicagoland area? Sign up for Let's Shedd Plastic to receive your Shedd-Sponsored REUSO starter kit today! Includes 60 reusables and first month of software.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is this program?
REUSO makes renting a reusable container easy! Sign up today to join us in eliminating single use waste.
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How do I rent a REUSO container?
Text the participating location’s short code to REUSO (567-749-5995)
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Where do I find the short code?
General sign up will be available soon! Please visit participating locations to find their short codes on sign up flyers.
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Where do I return my container?
You can find return areas and bins by scanning the QR code on the REUSO product for one nearest to you or you can return it to any participating business found on our website.
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How will I remember to return my container?
By signing up for REUSO, you will receive text message reminders leading up to your deadline to return the container.
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How will I know which container to return if I have checked out multiple containers?
Easy! With the text message reminders, REUSO reminds you of which containers are due on specific days via the short code found by the QR sticker.
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What happens if I do not return it?
If you decide to keep it at home, enjoy your souvenir! REUSO products can be washed at home and are dishwasher safe (just don’t put them next to stainless steel/metal items). For each container not returned after the due date, a $7 replacement fee will be applied. If you decide to return after your due date, REUSO will issue you a refund within 30 days.
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What do I do the next time I visit?
Text REUSO (or scan QR code on the flyer located in the business to prepopulate the text message) the business’ short code to receive the unique 4 digit pin to check out.