FAQ

Do I need to download an app to use Recirclable containers?

Recirclable is available as an iOS and Android app you can download to your phone. Find the apps here.

How do I borrow a container?

To order in reusable containers: go to your Recirclable app and select 'order' at participating restaurants. You can also order directly with participating restaurants and scan the Recirclable QR code displayed at restaurant checkout to start borrowing.

The first time you borrow, you will be asked to create an account (it's quick and free!). We collect your payment details but only charge if you don't return containers. Confirm the number of containers borrowed in the Recirclable app. Enjoy your meal, rinse and return containers within 14 days to avoid purchase fees. It's that simple!

Where can I return containers?

You can return your Recirclable container to any participating restaurant. See www.recirclable.com/restaurants for a current list.

How do I return a container?

Drop the container at any participating restaurant, scan the QR code by the return bin and confirm the number of containers being returned!

Do I need to wash the container before returning?

You are not required to wash your borrowed containers, but a rinse would be much appreciated by our restaurant partners! The containers will be thoroughly washed and sanitized by our restaurant partners, adhering to local Department of Public Health guidelines.

How much does it cost to borrow a container?

Recirclable containers are completely free to consumers, as long as they are returned within 14 days.

Why do I have to provide payment details?

Payment details ensure sustainability of our service and payment for non-returned containers. The Recirclable containers are high quality, designed for many uses. If you don't return them, we need to replace them. We will never charge you if you return containers within 14 days. Please return them!

Are my payment details secure?

Recirclable does not store credit card details anywhere in our Recirclable software. We use an established and secure 3rd party system called “Stripe” to securely store payment data. Stripe is certified to PCI Server Provider Level 1, the most stringent level of certification available for payment data. You can find more details on Stripe's security on their website: Security at Stripe

Are there fees associated with using Recirclable containers?

Recirclable containers are free of charge to consumers, provided you return them within 14 days. After that time, consumers will be charged $15 for each unreturned container.

Are the containers microwave safe?

Recirclable uses multiple types of containers, some of which are microwave-safe containers. The plastic removable lids should not be used in the microwave, nor should any stainless steel containers. Look for a microwave safe symbol on the containers to be certain they are microwave safe.

Are the containers dishwasher safe?

Yes, Recirclable containers are dishwasher safe.

Can I buy your containers?

If you do not return containers within 14 days, you will be charged $15/container. However, we much prefer you return the containers. If you are interested in purchasing containers, we are happy to point you to retailers selling them for home use.

How long can I borrow containers free of charge?

If you return your container within 14 days of borrowing it, it is free! Please return and keep containers circulating.

How will I know when to return containers?

We will send you reminders, to help you remember! They will come by text or email, based on your account profile setup.

You can also open the app at any time, or scan the QR code on the container to launch the Recirclable application, and get details on when all of your containers are due for return.

My container is missing a QR code. How do I return the container?

When you return the container, you will scan the red return QR code at the participating restaurant as usual. The camera screen will appear and, after waiting a few seconds, a button will appear at the bottom of the screen: "Having issues scanning?". Please select and it will guide you through the return.

I would like to close my account. How can I do that?

If you would like to close your Recirclable account, please select the 'Delete Account' option in your Profile in the app. If you have any problems, please send an email to hello@recirclable.com. You will need to return all containers and pay any outstanding fees before closing. We will be sad to see you go!

How do I know the containers are clean?

Our partner restaurants strictly adhere to local Board of Health guidelines, ensuring all containers are ready for use. They follow the same standards they follow for in-restaurant dining dishes.

What are the containers made of?

Recirclable uses multiple, high quality and durable containers.

Cirqula containers are manufactured by a Dutch brand called Mepal. They are made of polypropylene and are BPA free. The containers are designed for many uses: to be stored in the freezer or fridge, heated up in the microwave (without the lid) and served (directly) at the table. You can learn more about these containers at www.mepal.com. These containers are also used by a number of established reusable programs in Germany.

We also use Preserve containers, made in the USA of BPA-free polypropylene. Preserve is a Certified B Corporation and stands behind their products, offering a Gimme 5 takeback program for end of life recycling of all of their own products.

Ozzi containers are also in circulation and made in the USA of BPA-free polypropylene. Like Preserve, Ozzi stands behind their containers and will take them back at the end of their life to recycle into new products.

We will continuously introduce high quality, durable containers into the program, of different sizes and materials (such as stainless steel and glass) to broaden our reach and increase the volume of reuse. Our goal is always to replace single use with high quality reusable containers.

Can I return containers for someone else?

Yes, you can return containers for someone else. Please return the containers to a participating restaurant partner, following the same procedure as you would if you had borrowed them. Then let Recirclable know you returned on behalf of someone else by emailing us at hello@recirclable.com.

Do you have family accounts, to enable any family member to borrow or return?

We don't currently support linked family accounts in a formal way, but you can setup one login and then have each family member use the same account. In that way, any member of the family can borrow and return containers using the same account.

How can my restaurant become a Recirclable partner?

We'd love to have you! Please contact us or email us at hello@recirclable.com to learn more.

What do I do if my bowl balance is wrong?

Please contact us at hello@recirclable.com and we will be happy to help you.