Plastic pollution is deeply engrained in the U.S. food system.
For decades our food system has relied on disposable, single‑use items that leave behind long-lasting environmental damage. Moving toward reusable systems is one of the most effective ways to cut pollution, reduce fossil‑fuel extraction, and protect the trees, land, and water that people and wildlife depend on.
Food and beverage containers from fast food restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience centers are one of the biggest sources of plastic litter found on roadways. We can stop this pollution by making sure food safety policies have clear guidelines that let establishments switch from disposable to reusable and refillable containers. The key policy that establishments rely on is called the food code.
Since 2022 the Center-led Food Code and Reuse Committee has been meeting regularly to advocate for federal food code changes, track progress on reuse‑friendly updates to state food codes, learn from national experts, and share food-safety policy developments across the country. It has drafted language for federal and state food codes and advised leaders in several states on how to update their guidelines.
At the end of 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance giving health departments, businesses, and reuse service providers a clear path toward switching to reusable containers.
The committee addresses a range of topics to advance reuse in food service, from third‑party warewashing and BYO container guidance to state health department food-code updates to PFAS concerns and emerging international reuse standards.
The committee has grown into a national network pushing for a food system that fully supports safe, accessible reuse. Our work includes advancing state and federal policy reform, creating clear educational resources for policymakers and food establishments, strengthening research, and helping build shared reuse infrastructure such as cooperative warewashing facilities. Together these efforts aim to move the food service industry toward more sustainable practices.
State-Level Food Code Data Available
Our detailed state-by-state reuse permissivity food code results — which outline each state’s rules on reusable containers at restaurants — are available to share. If you’d like this free data for your state, please complete this form.
2013, 2017 and 2022 Food Code Factsheet Template
If your state uses the 2013, 2017 or 2022 Federal Food Code Guidelines, this factsheet can be used to educate your restaurants about reuse. The template can be shared and edited by different states.
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Contact: Kelley Dennings
