Skip to main content

Transact + CBORD with USEFULL

Plastic-free, tech-enabled, reusable takeout program for higher education campus dining

Together, we're working towards a more durable and sustainable campus dining solution.

Smiling worker handing food to student with USEFULL container

Sustainable takeout is here to stay 

College students are driving sustainability initiatives in campus dining programs. According to Food Service Director, students are significant advocates for sustainable dining practices. 

The College Hopes & Worries Survey Report from The Princeton Review shows a clear trend. It finds that 75% of future college students say an institution's environmental impact is very important. This factor influences their choices about applying and enrolling, with eco-friendly practices and programs such as ditching single-use plastic and switching to mobile student ID cards shaping the future of college sustainability.  

Sustainable dining programs are now a key way to both meet ESG goals and attract students. This makes it a great time to think about joining schools that use Transact + CBORD with USEFULL in implementing a reusable takeout program that seamlessly eliminates single-use packaging waste. 

Reach your sustainable dining packaging goals by integrating with our CBORD or Transact Campus platform 

Colleges and students nationwide using CBORD or Transact Campus services can easily track the checkout of USEFULL's stainless steel containers via student ID cards, Mobile Credentials, and an easy-to-use administrator dashboard. 

Get rid of plastic

The abundance of plastic is an increasing problem for both the environment and human health, one that clearly can't be solved with more plastic. USEFULL creates plastic-free takeout containers using stainless steel, significantly lowering their environmental impact.

Save money through reusables

Instead of constantly purchasing single-use packaging, USEFULL's eco-friendly packaging is highly durable and lasts many years, saving your school money in the long run. Some institutions have seen 25-40% savings compared to single-use plastics.

Drive measurable impact for your campus

Campus admins can view real-time sustainability metrics for ESG reporting including waste, water, and emissions saved. They can also track reusable container inventory and movement to ease dining logistics.

Transact + CBORD with USEFULL—rooted in environmental sustainability

Transact's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing waste, along with USEFULL's mission to empower communities to create sustainable and simple takeout options through a complete reuse solution, has led to a partnership to support a zero-waste future for takeout. Together, Transact and USEFULL aim to create sustainable changes in college dining operations.

“Transact and USEFULL are creating a forward-looking approach to reducing plastic on college campuses, another step toward both building awareness of our carbon footprint while educating and informing this mission-driven generation of student about their individual contributions to eliminating waste.” - Alison Cove, USEFULL Founder & CEO 

Students eating lunch with reusable containers
USEFULL Dividers

Stainless steel inventory—safe, durable, and completely plastic-free

USEFULL's research-backed design delivers a premium experience for your campus dining halls.

Experience the difference of not using single-use plastic with these features:

  • Attractive design: Stainless steel, double-walled, vacuum-insulated reusable containers, and cups

  • Temperature control: Food and drink stay at the desired temperature, eliminating the need for microwaving for up to five hours

  • Affordable: Cups and containers are priced at or below market price of disposable options

  • Ensure freshness: Silicone lids create a tight seal

  • School pride: Custom lids are available to showcase your campus brand

Eliminate single-use plastic with ease

Our partnership with USEFULL makes reducing plastic in campus dining effortless. USEFULL has developed innovative technology that engages students, streamlines dining operations, and measures environmental impact. The trackable, plastic-free containers provide students with an excellent dining experience while saving your campus money.

School Benefits


  • One, consolidated vendor to meet your need
  • Integrates with your campus card and delivery programs
  • Less expensive than buying single-use plastics
  • No hefty up-front investment
  • Increased long-term ROI
  • Trackable containers for easier food-service operations
  • Custom dashboards give you real-time data

Student Benefits


  • Intuitive and engaging mobile app with 24/7 help desk access
  • Connected to their student ID card or Transact Mobile Credential
  • Thermal containers keep food/drinks to temp and are never mistaken for trash
  • Built-in accountability with a >99% return rate
USEFULL app on iPhone

Empower your campus with a sustainable campus dining take-out solution

Let's schedule a quick conversation about how your school can join schools like the University of Southern California, the University of Pittsburgh, and Case Western Reserve University in securing a more sustainable future through USEFULL's unmatched reusable takeout solution.

USEFULL containers