Reducing Plastic Waste
Reducing Plastic on Campus
Vanderbilt Campus Dining has spearheaded the effort to eliminate single-use plastics from all dining facilities. Since Fall 2019, Campus Dining has removed plastic water and soda bottles from campus, reducing the sale of over 390,000 plastic bottles annually—enough to cover an entire football field! To further support this initiative, Vanderbilt has increased the number of rapid water bottle filling stations across campus, making it easier for the community to adopt reusable options.
ReusePass: A Sustainable Dining Revolution
In Fall 2023, Campus Dining launched the ReusePass program, replacing the Fill it Forward initiative with a streamlined system that promotes reusable container use on campus. This program empowers students, faculty, and staff to make sustainable dining choices every day.
How ReusePass Works:
- Register and Get Started:
- Visit vu.edu/reusepass to sign up.
- Complete a quick one-time registration integrated with Vanderbilt Single Sign-On (SSO).
- Receive a unique QR code accessible via your mobile device or Apple Wallet.
- Pick Up Your Reusable Container:
- Available at Commons Dining Center, E. Bronson Ingram Dining Hall, Rothschild Hall, The Kitchen at Kissam, and Rand Dining Hall.
- Present your QR code at checkout to receive a clean, reusable to-go container.
- Rinse and Return:
- After your meal, return your container to the dish return area at any participating location.
- Your returned container will be washed, sanitized, and reflected on your ReusePass account within 3 days.
Sustainability at the Core of Campus Dining
Vanderbilt Campus Dining’s plastic waste reduction efforts are part of a larger collaboration with FutureVU Sustainability, aligning with the university’s vision for a greener campus. These initiatives complement broader goals, including Vanderbilt’s Zero Waste Study and its commitment to responsible consumption and environmental preservation.
Join Us in Eliminating Plastic Waste
By choosing reusable options, engaging with programs like ReusePass, and embracing sustainable practices, we can make a tangible impact on our environment.