Reusable container project launches in downtown Ottawa

An initiative led by Circular Innovation Council is introducing reusable packaging to the food service industry in the nation’s capital.

The not-for-profit organization has launched Reuse Ottawa, an project aimed at promoting a sustainable future, wrote the City of Ottawa in a news release.

“This first-of-its-kind collaborative reuse program aims to revolutionize the food service industry by addressing the significant environmental burden created by single-use packaging,” it said.

In collaboration with the municipality and the federal government, major Canadian grocers, such as Metro, Farm Boy, Sobeys, and Walmart Canada, are taking part in this joint effort.

Pilot launch: Reuse Ottawa

The project launched in areas along Bank Street, extending up to the Byward Market. In this pilot area, customers can purchase select food items in reusable containers at participating grocery retailers and other food service businesses.

According to the city, reusable containers are no additional cost and consumers can return containers through multiple options, including neighbourhood drop-off locations.

“With the new three-item garbage limit, the Reuse Ottawa initiative helps to reduce waste and stay within the limit—making sustainability simpler and smarter,” noted the city.

How does the program work?

To borrow a reusable container, consumers can provide their phone number or show the Reusables.com app when checking out at participating locations.

A $10 charge is applied if a container is not returned within 14 days. Once the container is returned, the charge will be reversed, the city said. To identify return locations, visit the Reusables.com app or the Reuse Ottawa website.

Returned containers are professionally sanitized each week at Gate Gourmet, a food and sanitation company located near the Ottawa International Airport. Once containers are cleaned, they are redistributed to participating locations and continue their reuse cycle.

“This model is inclusive, welcoming any interested grocer, restaurant, or food service business to join the program,” it notes.

Those who return containers are automatically entered into a monthly draw for a chance to win a $50 gift card to a Reuse Ottawa participating retailer.

For more details, visit the Reuse Ottawa website or email info@reuseottawa.ca.