UMaine Reusable Container Pilot Gains Traction

The ReuseME program aims to reduce takeout waste in Maine restaurants and cafes.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:53pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex systems and forces involved in the ReuseME program's efforts to cut down on disposable food waste and plastic pollution.The ReuseME program's innovative approach to reducing disposable food waste through a community-based system of reusable containers aims to have a far-reaching environmental impact.Bath Today

A University of Maine pilot program called ReuseME, which allows customers to borrow and return reusable cups and containers at participating restaurants and cafes, has seen slow but steady growth in its first month. The program currently has five Maine businesses signed on, including Solo Pane and Pasticceria in Bath, Coffee Matter and Cafe This Way in Bar Harbor, and Verbena and Second Rodeo Coffee Shop in South Portland.

Why it matters

Disposable food service ware poses a major environmental challenge, with millions of tons of waste ending up in landfills and waterways each year. The ReuseME program aims to reduce this waste by encouraging the use of reusable containers, which can cut solid waste by up to 86% and carbon emissions by 60%.

The details

Customers participate in ReuseME by downloading the Recirclable app, scanning a QR code at the register, and showing the cashier that they are renting the reusable containers. Once customers return the containers, they can scan the code on the ReuseME bin in the cafe and scan each container to return them for cleaning. While adoption has been slow, with mostly regular customers using the reusable containers, the program allows customers to return the containers to any of the participating locations using the app.

  • The ReuseME pilot program launched in April 2026.
  • The pilot program is scheduled to run for one year, ending in December 2026.

The players

Solo Pane and Pasticceria

A Bath-based business that was the first to sign on to the ReuseME pilot program.

Coffee Matter

A Bar Harbor cafe that is participating in the ReuseME pilot program.

Cafe This Way

A Bar Harbor cafe that is participating in the ReuseME pilot program.

Verbena

A South Portland cafe that is participating in the ReuseME pilot program.

Second Rodeo Coffee Shop

A South Portland cafe that is participating in the ReuseME pilot program.

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What they’re saying

“I like the idea of the reusables, and I think it is a clever program to have people borrowing, returning, and being able to use it in multiple locations.”

— Mercedes Laboa, Owner, Solo Pane and Pasticceria

“Disposability poses a major challenge to the environment and waste-reduction efforts. There are roughly 4.9 million tons of waste from disposable food service ware, and roughly 100,000 marine animals die annually due to plastic debris.”

— Catherine Segada, UMaine graduate assistant

What’s next

When the pilot program ends in December 2026, the participating businesses will have the option to purchase the reusable containers to continue using them. Solo Pane plans to keep the containers with a goal of cutting down on the amount of paper goods it uses by half.

The takeaway

The ReuseME program demonstrates how innovative, community-driven solutions can help address the significant environmental impact of disposable food service ware. By encouraging the use of reusable containers, the program has the potential to reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, and protect marine life in Maine.