Bring Your Own (BYO) Container and Cup Programs

General

This guide breaks down options to implement a Bring Your Own (BYO) container and cup programs for your restaurant, cafe, or bar. This can be applied to both your Dine-In and Takeout service! Every BYO container program scores a perfect 5 / 5 PlasticScore.

We continuously update this guide, so if you have any options you think we should include send us a message! We may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase an item through our affiliate links, which goes to support the development of these guides.

BYO Container Program

The San Diego County Chapter of Surfrider has developed an amazing guide for how to implement a BYO container program for your business. Best of all, you don’t have to be in San Diego County to implement the same program! Some of the benefits of a BYO container program:

  • A sustainable takeout option that brings in new customers that have stopped getting takeout because of the environmental concerns
  • Save money by not having to pay for disposable packaging
  • COVID Safe! You place the meal in a reusable dish just like you would for any dine-in customer, and the takeout customer performs the transfer themselves.

After you’ve implemented the program, make sure to ask if customers want to bring their own container both on the phone and on your online ordering systems! You’ll be surprised how many people will participate if they get a little reminder.

Finally, you can even sell your own branded containers to promote the program and earn additional revenue!

BYO Cup Program

City to Sea’s contactless coffee guide is the perfect way to implement a safe and environmentally friendly BYO cup program for your business - and it works for all drinks, not just coffee!

BYO cup programs have the same benefits as BYO container programs, and are a great way to save money, save the environment, and get new customers!

Just like containers, you can sell your own branded cups to add an additional revenue stream.

Incentives!

Providing a discount for a customer participating in a BYO program is a great way to bring in repeat customers - plus you can make up for it through the money you’re saving by not providing disposable packaging!


Looking for additional support?

There are great non-profits that are happy to help with guides, tools, and direct technical assistance.