ReusePass Program - Topanga

At the University of New Mexico, we are committed to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. UNM Food offers a sustainable and customizable way to take your favorite foods to-go from La Posada Dining Hall with the ReusePass Program. ReusePass lets meal plan holders check out and return reusable to-go containers, reducing resource consumption and diverting single-use containers from landfills.

Meal plan holders are immediately eligible to participate at no extra cost. Non-meal plan holders may opt into the ReusePass program by making a one-time purchase of a Topanga reusable container for $7.00

Using Your Meal Swipe with ReusePass

Your to-go meal will count as one of the three daily meal swipes for Unlimited Plan holders and as a regular meal swipe for Weekly and Community Plan holders. Follow these easy steps to maximize your options and help us reduce the use of disposables to lower our environmental impact.

How it works:

Participating in the ReusePass program is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

Sign Up for ReusePass:
- Register for a ReusePass online at: reusepass.com
- Download the ReusePass app on your mobile device.
  - *Tip: add your ReusePass QR code to your digital wallet or screenshot for easy access.
Check out a Topanga Reusable Container:
- Present your ReusePass QR Code to your cashier to scan at La Posada Dining Hall to check out a Topanga reusable container to take your favorite foods to-go.
- You will have 3 days to return your Topanga reusable container
  - *Tip: turn on push notifications on your ReusePass mobile appto receive reminders to return your Topanga reusable container, and view updates on your ReusePass account.
Return and Reuse:
- Please remove any remaining food from your Topanga reusable container before you return it at the cashier’s station in La Posada.
- Once returned, your Topanga reusable container will be scanned, washed, and sanitized by our dining team.
- Your ReusePass account will update to reflect your return within 24-48 hours.

Topanga Reusable Containers

How long can I keep my container?
- Containers are due back 3 days after check-out, but we recommend returning them as soon as you're done so they can get sanitized and recirculated in the ReusePass ecosystem! If you forget to return a container by the due date, we'll send you a late text reminding you to return the container ASAP to avoid a failed container rental. Once a container is marked as late, you'll have 48 hours to return it before the rental window closes. Don't worry – the ReusePass app makes it easy to see container statuses and due dates!
Why is there a 3-day return window?
- The 3-day window exists to encourage participants to return their containers in a timely fashion, so they can get washed and reused. This means we can serve the same number of students with fewer containers. This ensures the efficiency and workflow of the Reuse program, helping to create a healthier and happier planet.
What happens once I’ve checked out my first container?
- Once you check out your first container, you’ll receive an SMS from ReusePass with details on how the program works and a link for how to access your ReusePass account. You can reference your ReusePass
  account to see a full record of all the containers you’ve checked out, when they are due back, and if you’ve missed any due dates.
What happens if I don’t return the container on time?
- Containers are due back to La Posada 3 days after checkout. If you fail to return within that 3-day window, the container will be marked as “Late”. Once a container is marked as “Late”, you have 48 hours to
  return the container, or your dining account will be charged $7.00, and you can view this by logging into your ReusePass account and mobile app.
- It may take up to 4 weeks for a late charge to be posted on your dining account after the status transitions to “Charge submitted.”
- For questions about charges, please contact mealplans@unm.edu
Why is there a late fee at all?
- The fee exists to encourage users to return their containers in a timely fashion, so they can get washed and reused. This fee will cover the cost of the container and any administrative fees, and the remaining
  funds will go into a sustainability account for future sustainability projects.
On my ReusePass account, what’s the difference between due soon and late?
- Containers that are shown under the “Due soon” section of your ReusePass account are containers you have recently checked out that are still within the 3-day checkout window.
- If you fail to return a container within the 3-day window, the status will transition from “Due soon” to “Late.” Once a container is marked as “Late”, you have 48 hours to return it, or your account will be charged a
  $7.00 fee.
Can I still return my container after it’s been marked as “unreturned”?
- Yes! Even if you haven’t returned your container within the checkout or late period, we still want your container back so it can go back into the reuse ecosystem.
Does my container need to be empty and washed before I drop it in the
return box?
- We ask that you empty the container of any food scraps, but it doesn’t need to be washed!
- It’s important to return broken containers on time so we can give you credit for reusing them! The UNM Food dining team will use the QR code onthe container to mark it as broken so they can understand the lifespan - and environmental impact - of each container.
Are containers microwave safe?
- The Topanga reusable containers used in UNM’s ReusePass program
  are microwavable.

For any additional FAQs, visit ReusePass FAQs or contact our customer support team if you have questions or need help with your ReusePass:

Text: +1-818-423-5142
Email: ReusePass@topanga.io

ReusePass Account FAQ

What is ReusePass & how do I access my ReusePass account?
- ReusePass is a web application that helps you track and manage which reusable containers you need to return. When you sign up for the program, a ReusePass account will be created for you. Your ReusePass account shows your reusables activity and status. You can access your account at any time
  by going to app.reusepass.com/unm and logging in using the mobile number you used during signup.
I have an international phone number; can I still participate in the ReusePass program?
- We don’t currently support international phone numbers, but don’t worry, you can still participate in the ReusePass program! Sign up for Google Voice and get a free phone number - you can use this phone number to opt-into the ReusePass program. Your ReusePass account is associated
  with a phone number, which means phone numbers cannot be shared across ReusePass accounts.
How do I delete my account?
- To delete your account, reach out to reusepass@topanga.io and provide the campus and mobile number associated with your account. Please note, by deleting your account you will not be able to use reusable
  containers, even if the program is mandatory at your school.

Sustainability Impact and Additional Information

What is the impact of participating in UNM’s reuse program?
- By participating in the program, users can help reduce waste and promote sustainable practices. Reusing containers reduces the number of single-use containers that end up in landfills and helps conserve resources and energy.
Can I see my personal sustainability impact?
- Yes! If you open your ReusePass account and scroll down, you’ll see your personal “trash stats”. Stay tuned for more sustainability impact data.
Why Reuse?
- Reduce Waste
  - 95% of plastics don't get recycled–even if you throw them in the blue bin! Instead, most single-use plastics end up in our oceans and landfills and bodies. Each time you choose to reuse, one less container goes to landfill.
- Avoid Emissions
  - The production of single-use containers, even compostable ones, is a resource-intensive process. Each time you reuse, one less container needs to be manufactured, shipped overseas, and delivered to your campus.
- Save Water
  - Yes, reuse requires washing. However, this sanitization process uses less water than is required to produce a new single-use container.

UNM Food