Oregon Businesses and Customers Choose To Reuse

Portland Metro’s Choose to Reuse campaign offers business owners resources to make the switch to reusable serviceware, so they can save money, reduce waste and keep customers happy.

Two Oregon laws you need to know about

Let your customers BYO!

Oregon law allows customers to bring their own containers to participating restaurants and food carts for takeout food, beverages, and leftovers. Specific guidelines cover the kinds of containers and how the containers may be used that align with public health code.

The program also offer easy-to-use resources for business owners, so you can accommodate customers who bring their own containers, or even get free local support to get you set up.

Polystyrene ban

Oregon recently banned food businesses from using polystyrene foam containers—commonly known as Styrofoam™—for food and drinks. Polystyrene foam is banned because it creates litter, ends up in rivers and oceans, and harms wildlife.

If you currently use polystyrene foam containers, now is an excellent time to encourage customers to bring their own containers and consider switching from single-use items to reusable serviceware.

Local success story: adding reusable cup options 

These are small, doable changes that can make a big impact, as noted by Clinton Street Coffeehouse in a 2024 PDX Today news story.

“It can feel like we are only taking small steps, but we know that if we can shift consumer behavior and suggest new norms for our coffee consumption, all our small steps can really add up,” said Kate Lor, the store manager. “In the last year, we estimate to have saved over 30,000 disposable cups!”

Visit Choose2Reuse.org for more information, FREE support and helpful resources to share with your staff and customers.