Renison Residence is pleased to offer the Eco-container Program as a sustainability measure that allows students to take their meals "to go" in the Renison Cafeteria while reducing container waste that ends up in landfills every year.
How does the eco-container program work?
As a student living in Renison Residence, you are automatically enroled in our Eco-Container program!
When you move into Renison Residence, you will receive a Renison University College Eco-Token Carabiner on your welcome bag.
- Bring your Eco-Token Carabiner with you every time you eat at Renison Food Services.
- Ask for our green eco-container while ordering your meal with Food Services staff.
- The Food Services staff member will request your Eco-Token Carabiner in exchange for your meal.
- Once your green eco-container has been filled with your chosen food, proceed to the exit to swipe your WatCard regularly to exit the cafeteria.
- Once you've finished your food, you can return the container to Food Services staff in the Dishes Drop-off area beside the servery exit.
- When returning your eco-container, notify a nearby Food Services staff member so that they may exchange it for a green eco-token carabiner.
- Our staff will properly wash and disinfect returned eco-containers before reusing them in our dining area.
- The next time you would like to order your meal in an eco-container, show the Food Services staff member your Eco-token Carabiner, and they will accept it in return for using the eco-container.
- The cycle is then repeated with your eco-container, and you've helped to keep single-use packaging out of landfills!
Treat the Eco-Container Carabiner like your WatCard and keep it with you while you're dining at Renison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens if I lose my Eco-Token Carabiner or eco-container?
If you lose the Eco-Token Carabiner or the eco-container, they are each a $10.00 cost to replace. You can visit the Moose Tracks Connection Desk (REN 1402) to purchase a new Eco-Token Carabiner.
Q: Why should I use the eco-container program?
There are a variety of reasons to use the program! Firstly, eco-friendly reusable food containers significantly reduce waste output. Disposable containers incur waste management costs since they must be processed and disposed of properly. If they are not, these containers just contribute to the rising mountains of garbage within landfills. In comparison, a reusable eco-container can be washed and used repeatedly.
Q: Can I still bring Renison dishes and cutlery to my room?
A: No. Beginning September 2025, the eco-container program eliminates the ability for students to bring any Renison Food Services property to their residence room. For drinks, students must bring their own water bottle to fill up. Cups, mugs, and glasses also cannot exit the cafeteria.
Residents will incur residence fines charged to their University of Waterloo Quest account if they are found with Renison Food Services property in their residence rooms.
Q: What happens if I order a late dinner?
A: Late dinners will be available in the Food Services refrigerator normally. Late dinners requests are not eligible for the eco-container program.
Q: What happens if I don’t want to use the program?
A: That’s fine! You are still responsible for taking care of the Eco-Token Carabiner for the year, and will need to return it when you move out.
Q: What if I love the Eco-Token Carabiner and I want to keep it and use it for something else?
A: Additional Eco-Token Carabiners can be purchased at the Moose Tracks Connection Desk (REN 1402).
Q: Can I share my Eco-Token Carabiner with friends?
A: No. Friends not living in Renison Residence cannot participate in the program. You are still required to show your WatCard when you exit the Renison Cafeteria. You cannot share your meal plan with friends.
Q: I am a Renison employee. Can I participate?
A: Yes! Renison employees can now participate in the program by purchasing an Eco-Token Carabiner to keep at our Moose Tracks Connection Desk in REN 1402 for a $10 cost. If an employee loses their carabiner, it is a $10 cost to purchase a new carabiner. Employees who stop working at Renison are not able to receive a refund for their Eco-Token Carabiner. No refunds are permitted.
Questions?
Do you have questions about the eco-container program? Reach out to a member of the Renison Food Services team or the Renison Student Experience and Housing team!
Email us at ren-res@uwaterloo.ca with any questions you have. We will be happy to help!
Special Thanks
Renison's Eco-container Program is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship from the University of Waterloo Office of Sustainability's Sustainability Action Fund.
The Sustainability Action Fund (SAF) supports projects and initiatives that improve sustainability at the University of Waterloo.