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Cornell University

Cornell Dining

Sustainable Consumer Initiatives

Reusable Mug Program

We're excited to reinstate the Cornell Dining Reusable Mug Program. Cornell Dining sells reusable stainless steel coffee mugs in our coffee houses and cafés. The initial purchase also includes the first beverage.

Grab your favorite clean cup, mug or tumbler and save 10% on all self-serve hot or iced coffee, tea, and fountain beverages. Available at select Cornell Dining Cafés and retail units:

  • Amit Bhatia Libe Cafe
  • Atrium Café
  • Bear Necessities
  • Big Red Barn
  • Bus Stop Bagels
  • Café Jennie
  • Dairy Bar
  • Goldie's Cafe
  • Green Dragon
  • Jansen’s Market
  • Mann Café
  • Martha’s Café
  • Mattin’s
  • Novick's Café
  • Rusty’s
  • Straight from the Market
  • Trillium
     

Reusable Takeout Containers

Each year, millions of disposable paper and styrofoam containers end up in landfills after just one use. As part of Cornell Dining's Sustainability Action Plan, we're taking steps to reduce the use of single-use disposable containers. Guests who'd like to take their meals to go at several of our eateries have the option to use an Eco-Takeout reusable container.

 
Reusable Takeout Container

The reusable container has a one-time charge of just $7.50, and when you bring it back rinsed on your next visit, you can swap it for a freshly washed and sanitized reusable container for your next meal. You're welcome to buy yours at any of the participating eateries, and bring it back to any of the participating eateries.

As an alternative to exchanging your used container for a fresh one, you can return your used container any time -- and our staff will "check in" your container so you can "check out" a container the next time you come for a takeout meal. No need to make sure you're carrying it around all day when you want to come for a takeout meal.

Already have your reusable takeout container? You can keep using it as you have been, bringing it back each time for a fresh one. Or, return it at your convenience and pick up a new one when you're ready.

Students with a meal plan that includes meal swipes receive a reusable container at no charge. Don't have your reusable takeout container yet? For students on a meal plan with meal swipes, it's free! Just tell the door-checker you haven't gotten yours yet.

Purchase your Eco-Takeout reusable container with Big Red Bucks and there's no sales tax. Or, you can pay $7.50 plus tax on CornellCard, MealChoice, or any major credit card accepted at Cornell Dining eateries. Our Eco-Takeout reusable containers are available for purchase and exchange at:

  • Okenshields on central campus 

  • Morrison Dining and North Star Dining Room on north campus
  • Jansen's Dining Room in Hans Bethe House, Rose House Dining Room, Cook House Dining Room, Keeton House Dining Room, and Becker House Dining Room on west campus 

Reusable takeout containers are not available at and should not be brought to Risley Dining Room (which is certified gluten-free, peanut-free, and tree-nut-free) or 104West! (which is certified kosher) due to cross-contamination concerns.

Even when you're not on campus, these reusable containers are perfect for carrying food from home, going to a picnic, or heating up your leftovers. They're dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe.

Please remember to rinse your container as soon as you're done with your meal.