The Reusable Beverage Cup Pilot Project aims to redefine how the campus community enjoys beverages on the go.
Spearheaded by , Food Services and the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability have partnered with to introduce a free-to-borrow reusable to-go beverage cup pilot program at Port Café and Boardwalk Café. This pilot was made possible through a grant from the Campus Sustainability Fund.
By participating, you’re helping to build a more sustainable future while enjoying the convenience of reusable cups.
How does the program work? |
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How do I borrow a cup? Option 1: Tap your ONECard to borrow a reusable cup from participating locations on campus. A minimum Flex Funds balance of $20 is required on your ONECard to borrow a cup.
Option 2: Scan your ResuableID QR code to borrow a reusable cup. Sign up for your free ReuserID using the add your QR code to your mobile wallet for convenient access.
Where can I return the cup and lid? Return your cup and lid within 5 days to a Smart Bin on Campus by tapping the tag on the bottom of the cup onto the Smart Bin's reader.
Is it free? Yes! Borrowing a cup is free if it's returned within 5 day. If a cup is not returned within 5 days, a $20 refundable charge will be applied. If returned within 30 days, this late fee will be automatically refunded. What are the cups made of? The cups are made of food-grade recycles stainless steel and the lids are made of food-safe BPA-free Tritan, ensuring safety and sustainability. |
Common questions |
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What if I return the cup late? A $20 charge will be applied if the cup is not returned within 5 days. This late fee will be refunded automatically if the cup and lid are returned within 30 days. How many cups can I borrow at one time? You can borrow up to a maximum of two cups at one time, provided that you have enough funds available on your ONECard at the time of check out. Can I use my Meal Plan funds to borrow a cup? No. You will need to make sure that you have a minimum of $20 on your Flex Fund account. Do I have to use a ONECard or can I borrow another way? Absolutely! You will need to create a using the mobile web application and show it at checkout to borrow. Make sure that you add a credit card number in the app so that the QR code can be generated. What if I find a lost cup and/or lid?
Where are the return locations? Smart Bins are conveniently placed near launch locations (Port Café in The Cove and Boardwalk Café in Mystic Market).
There are incorrect charges on my account Please contact the Reusables Inc. Support team directly with any questions or concerns about your Reusables experience at support@resuables.com |
Participate in the UVic Reusable Cup Program |
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What impact will I make? By using reusable cups, you can be part of the solution to help reduce single-use waste and contribute to a cleaner, greener campus. Fun Fact: The Surfrider UVic Club initiated this project after conducting an independent audit of UVic's outdoor Sort-It-Out waste stations. The found that more than 4,000 single-use coffee cups were sold and discarded at UVic every business day. Is this a sustainable choice? Absolutely! Participating in the program supports sustainable practices and promotes environmental responsibility. Fun Fact: UVic's 2022 Waste Audit revealed that approximately 19,188 kilograms of non-waxed coffee cups were sent to landfill annually, even though these cups were accepted in the campus waste diversion program. How does it help conserve resources? Reusable food and beverage container programs prioritize product longetivity, reuse, and eventual recycling. By reducing the need for new raw materials, it significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions and decreases solid waste. Does it set a positive example? Yes! Participating inspires others to make environmentally conscious choices and helps ensure that the program is successful so that it, and programs like it, can continue in the future. "Integrating climate and sustainability across the whole institution is an ongoing process of co-designing sustainability - and it required the encouragement and empowerment of all campus users to take part in the process." - Kylie Hissa, Acting Sustainability Manager Do students want reusable options? Definitely. This initiative was driven by UVic students and the Surfrider Foundation UVic Club. Surveys carried out by UVic Food Services have also confirmed that the majority of UVic students want reusable to-go options on campus. "Research is showing that reusables are the most sustainable packaging options when reused enough times. That's what led us to propose a pilot for reusable to-go beverage cups." - Matt Miller, UVic PhD student in Oceanography. |
By choosing to reuse, you actively contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability on campus. It's a simple and effective way to enjoy your drinks while making a positive environmental impact.