Read about the efforts Dining Services makes to reduce waste
Questions? Please email dining.sustainability@usu.edu
Aggie Blue Bikes Donations
Dining Services donates 5 cents every time a refill is purchased anywhere on campus! When you dine with us, bring a reusable cup, and you can pay for a refill instead of a new drink. Not only will it be cheaper, but you also will reduce waste and support Aggie Blue Bikes with 5 cents each time! This partnership started in May 2015, and as of July 2023, we have donated $12,243.60 to Aggie Blue Bikes!
Drink Refills
Drink refills can be purchased at any dining location on campus for a discount. Just ask!
Clean Plate Club
Send a picture of your plate after you've finished your meal to USU Dining Instagram with the hashtag #cleanplateclub to be entered into a monthly raffle to have a chance to win a prize.
Reusable Containers
When getting a meal to-go from our dining halls, The Junction, or The Marketplace, purchase a reusable to-go container ($10 one-time purchase) and bring that each time you want to get a meal to-go! Help reduce waste by getting a reusable container instead of plastic or paper containers each time you stop by.
Composting
We have gray compost-specific buckets spread throughout the Marketplace kitchen to collect produce waste that is sent to the composter machine.
You can do your part by taking smaller portions so you are more likely to finish all of your food. There are also green compost collection containers in the TSC Patio and NR Patio. Check out our guide to see what can and cannot be composted.
Recycling
Empty boxes from our deliveries are broken down flat, and any food item that comes in a can is rinsed and sent to USU's recycling facility.
SNAC Partnership
Dining Services donates unsold bread, bagels, desserts, and other perishables to the Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) pantry. Their mission is to assist any Aggie who experiences difficulty accessing nutritious food and personal care products. Patrons may receive assistance once per week, as needed. No questions asked! Learn more about the SNAC pantry.
Stay and Eat Containers
Eat at our locations, The Forum Cafe or Beth's Bistro, and use their reusable plates! We also utilize biodegradable/compostable paper plates for our catered events!
Trayless Dining
After an internal waste audit conducted by USU Dining Services in the summer of 2008, USU implemented trayless dining, dramatically decreasing food costs and waste. Reduction of food waste is an essential part of USU Dining Services' Sustainable efforts. Trayless dining reduces food waste, conserves energy, reduces water waste, reduces chemical waste, and encourages healthier eating habits.