Reuse Case Study Explorer

The case for reuse is strong. Many dozens of case studies from pilots and projects around the world and across many sectors prove cost and environmental savings. In order to illustrate the potential for reuse in every documented scenario, Upstream has gathered this filterable database of reuse case studies. By using the filters, you can identify and/or download all case studies pertaining to the most common fields of inquiry. (Discover more sorting tags by clicking into each case study).

If you know of a case study you do not find here, please let us know and we will happily add it! If you would like further information about any of these case studies or would like to further explore how such data can inform your reuse operations, contact us.

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2018 10/8/25 2018 10/8/25

ReThink Disposable: Shish Grill

Capacity: 30
Dishwashing model: 3 compartment sink
Funding Source: none
Material: glass, plastic, ceramic
Disposables Avoided: 73,559 (annual)
Cost Savings: $974 (annual net)
Break-Even: unknown

2018 10/2/25 2018 10/2/25

Manchester City Council: Reuse at Events

Audience Size: citywide
Dishwashing Model: Commercial dishwasher
Funding Source: Government Grant - C-Change
Material: Plastic
Return Rate: unknown
Disposables Avoided: 1,700,000 (2 years)
Cost Savings: 40%

2018 9/17/25 2018 9/17/25

ReThink Disposable: New York Pizza

Capacity: 18
Dishwashing model: under counter dishwasher
Funding Source: None
Material: metal, plastic
Disposables Avoided: 135,354 (annual)
Cost Savings: $3,043 (annual net)
Break-Even: 4.1 months

2018 9/16/25 2018 9/16/25

ReThink Disposable: The Conservatory for Coffee, Tea & Cocoa

Capacity: 35
Dishwashing model: 3-compartment sink
Funding Source: None
Material: plastic, metal
Disposables Avoided: 205,008 (annual)
Cost Savings: $6,898 (annual net)
Break-Even: 5.4 months