Pass Policy

From model policies to playbooks and toolkits, to trainings – all the resources you need to support reuse advocacy in your community.


Policy Features

Defining “reuse” in the policy context

And why it’s important.


Did you know? Reuse is a climate solution

Over their life cycle, reusable products, food serviceware and packaging have lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions compared to disposable alternatives.

Policy Tools

Reuse & climate: Action for governments to take

The importance of embedding reuse into climate action plans—and how measuring consumption-based emissions gives a far more accurate depiction of a municipality’s climate impact.

State legislation to address the waste crisis must focus on transitioning to a circular economy that prioritizes reuse.

Principles for reuse in EPR & DRS

A myth-busting cheat sheet

Counter-arguments to the top four myths about why reuse is not a viable solution.


Reuse funding opportunities

Dedicated to monitoring incentives & grants that could be used to support projects related to source reduction of packaging & foodware.

Policy Testimony & Comments

Upstream submits letters of support for reuse-related bills that are in keeping with our policy principles—or comments encouraging further integration of these principles.

 Join the

Reuse Solutions Network

Reuse leaders shaping innovative policy and community infrastructure

Member Benefits

Formerly known as the National Reuse Network, the Reuse Solutions Network (RSN) is a community of NGOs, entrepreneurs, local organizations, community leaders, and governments working to catalyze reuse and create a world where reuse and refill are standard practice. The network supports leaders working across the U.S. and Canada to:  

  • Learn and collaborate in a space that fosters insight into reuse policy and infrastructure solutions

  • Share resources, tools, and best practices on source reduction and reuse/refill concepts

  • Gather in dialogue with like-minded reuse leaders to support new initiatives

  • Catalyze and pass policies that promote reuse and reduce single-use products and packaging

  • Develop reuse infrastructure and financial opportunities for reuse initiatives

  • Accelerate the growth of innovative reuse businesses

  • For government leaders & employees: in combination with the RSN, Upstream also convenes 2-3 separate, annual dedicated sessions to focus on policy solutions and challenges—the Government Reuse Forum.

90-minute meetings are held every other month and focus on a specific topic, featuring guest speakers and presentations, followed by discussion/Q&A.


Who you’ll meet

An international network of local governments and elected officials

Ideate and accelerate reuse and source reduction with representatives from organizations like: