At Bold Reuse, we envision a world without single-use waste, and schools are helping lead the way. In a recent webinar, we partnered with Seattle Public Schools (SPS) to spotlight how the district is making bold moves to swap disposable foodware for durable, reusable alternatives in cafeterias. The result? Less waste, lower costs, and a better dining experience for students.
The way students experience school lunch has changed drastically over the years. From durable trays and freshly prepared meals to single-use disposables, school cafeterias have evolved to prioritize convenience over sustainability.
Now, Seattle Public Schools is reversing that trend by reintroducing reusables to reduce waste and improve the student experience.
Our webinar featured Rina Fa’amoe Cross, Resource Conservation Specialist at SPS, who shared insights on the district’s transition back to durable foodware. The conversation shed light on why this shift is crucial, how it’s being implemented, and the long-term benefits of a reusable system in schools.
Turning the Tide on Disposable Culture
Once upon a time, reusable trays, plates, and utensils were the norm in school cafeterias. But over the decades, disposables became standard, driven by budget cuts, labor costs, and a culture of convenience. Now, SPS is going back to basics — and forward to the future — by bringing reuse back.
We're not going to recycle our way out of this. It has to start with reduction and reuse.
Why Reuse Makes Sense for Schools
Seattle Public Schools began transitioning back to durable foodware in 2023. The push came from SPS’s Culinary Services team, which wanted to improve the student dining experience and reduce waste. For Rina, the focus was on right-sizing waste systems and reducing landfill volume.
The challenges were real; schools had varying equipment, staffing levels, and cafeteria sizes. But the opportunity was clear: a switch to reusables could save money, streamline operations, and reduce the environmental footprint of school lunches.
Partnering for Impact: Bold Reuse + SPS
To overcome logistical hurdles like dishwashing capacity, SPS partnered with Bold Reuse to pilot off-site dishwashing at select schools.
Here’s how the program works:
- Bold Reuse delivers clean plates and bowls to participating schools.
- Students use them during meals, then place them in designated return bins after scraping food into compost.
- Used dishes are picked up, washed at our Seattle wash hub, and returned — ready to use again.
What started at one middle school has expanded to over 15 schools, supported by grants from the Department of Ecology and Seattle Public Utilities.
Student-Led Change & Community Champions
Implementation success often hinges on finding the right champions. And sometimes those champions aren’t who you would expect. At Denny International Middle School, Kitchen Manager “Lunch Lady Dorry” became the program’s biggest advocate, organizing plate return drives and student-led reuse relays.
At Seattle Academy, it was a student who sparked change. After conducting a waste audit, senior Griffin Schwartz approached Bold Reuse to implement a reusable system, inspiring his classmates and leading a cultural shift toward sustainability.
Results That Matter
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Over 180,000 single-use items were eliminated at SPS across 8 schools within two years.
- More than 11,000 pounds of waste reduced.
- Over $1,300/month saved at just one school by eliminating compostable plate purchases.
- Dramatic garbage reductions — down from nine bags to less than half of one bag per lunch period in some schools.
Beyond the stats, the program helps instill environmental values in students, who often take those habits home. A recent survey found that 76% of parents say their kids are the ones advocating for greener practices at home (source: One poll).
Lessons Learned
Seattle’s journey wasn’t without its challenges, and Rina was generous in sharing key lessons:
- Start small. Pilot with one meal (like breakfast) or just one item (like plates).
- Build a strong inventory tracking system. now how many items you’re using and recovering.
- Include all stakeholders early. From custodians to students and parents. Staff, administration, and teachers.
- Focus on progress, not perfection. It’s a learning process, and every step counts.
What’s Next?
As the program continues to grow, SPS is exploring how to sustainably scale both on-site and off-site dishwashing. Meanwhile, schools across the country are watching and learning.
If you’re part of a district or organization interested in implementing reuse, the message is clear: You don’t have to do it alone. And you don’t have to do it perfectly to make a real impact.
How Bold Reuse Can Help
At Bold Reuse, we partner with schools, cities, and businesses to build the infrastructure needed to support reuse systems. Whether you’re a school administrator, city official, teacher, or parent, you can be part of this movement.
If you’re interested in exploring reusable foodware options for your school, reach out to us today! Together, we can make reuse the new normal in school cafeterias.
Want to learn more?
Check out our Seattle Public Schools Case Study and stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build a movement around reuse — one plate at a time.
