FAQ

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

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

(Regardless of manufacturer suggestions, we generally recommend you transfer your food to a real dish, if at all possible, and microwave using that vs. the plastic containers. It's a much nicer dining experience too!)

Yes, Recirclable containers are dishwasher safe.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

Recirclable works with a variety of trusted container providers and materials to support the needs of different communities and food service environments.

Our current lineup includes BPA-free polypropylene containers from brands such as Mepal,  Preserve (a Certified B Corporation), Ozzi, along with stainless steel containers in some locations. The polypropylene brands stand behind their containers and will take them back at the end of their life to recycle into new products. We are grateful for the support of nonprofit partners such as Lexington Zero Waste Collaborative, University of Maine/ReuseME and ReThink Disposable, whose sponsorship and container purchases help accelerate reuse adoption in local communities.

As reuse systems continue to grow and evolve, container options will continue to improve and expand - but the goal remains the same: keep reusable containers cirulating and reduce the need for single-use packaging.

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.

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.

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

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