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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ReThink Disposable: Manila Eatery
Capacity: 35
Dishwashing model: commercial dishwasher
Funding Source: none
Material: plastic, ceramic
Disposables Avoided: 54,507 (annual)
Cost Savings: $4,693 (annual net)
Break-Even: 1.3 months
ReThink Disposable: San Carlos Youth Center
Capacity: 130
Dishwashing model: commercial dishwasher
Funding Source: unknown
Material: durable non-plastic
Disposables Avoided: 18,898 (annual)
Cost Savings: $719 (annual net)
Break-Even: 17.7 months
ReThink Disposable: Ballast Coffee
Capacity: 30
Dishwashing model: commercial dishwasher
Funding Source: none
Material: metal, glass
Return Rate: 75%
Disposables Avoided: 12,369 (annual)
Cost Savings: $1,263 (annual net)
Break-Even: 4.3 months
ReThink Disposable: Bishop O’Dowd High School
Project Size: 450 student meals/day
Dishwashing Model: 3-compartment sink
Funding Source: None
Material: Plastic
Disposables Avoided: 100,212 (annual)
Cost Savings: $6,459 (net annual)
Break-Even: 21 days
CEH & ReThink Disposable: Berkeley Unified School District
Project Size: 2000 student meals/day
Dishwashing Model: commercial dishwasher
Funding Source: Private Grant - Plastic Free Restaurants
Material: Plastic, Metal
Disposables Avoided: 170,000 (annual)
Cost Savings: $13,064 (net annual)
Break-Even: Unknown
US Plastics Pact: Clorox Company
Reuse System: Reverse Vending
Material: Plastic
Return rate: 36%
Disposables avoided: 259,000 (annual average)
Cost Savings: $5,780
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