Free reusable containers now on offer at some Ottawa stores

People shopping at some Ottawa restaurants and grocery stores can now use a reusable plastic container instead of a single-use takeout box.

In a new pilot project meant to help businesses cut down on single-use plastics, participating locations are providing free reusable containers in areas like salad bars and deli sections. The containers have QR codes customers can scan when cashing out.

People have 14 days to return the containers at the store, with users charged $10 if they don't. 

If the containers are returned 30 days after that, users will get their money back. 

The containers should be scraped free of food and will be sanitized at a professional facility.

Participating businesses — eight so far, according to the program website — will also have access to container tracking, washing and distribution services provided.

Reuse Ottawa, as the program is dubbed, is organized by the Circular Innovation Council (CIC), a registered charity focused on waste management and recycling in partnership with grocery stores and other service providers.

The City of Ottawa and the federal government also collaborated with the CIC and provided funding. 

Jason Hawkins, CEO of a Vancouver-based reusable tech company, said the CIC reached out to him to develop the technology, including collection bins and QR codes. He's hopeful the initiative can expand beyond Ottawa.  

"The goal is to provide a system that's easy for people to understand, participate in, and to have a path for them to make the planet a better place just in their everyday actions," Hawkins said.

Michael Rose of the Metro grocery chain likened it to a library book check-out system. 

Participants including grocery stores, "will share containers, sanitation, and logistics costs," according to the CIC's news release. 

Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Rawlson King, who also attended Thursday's launch event, said it's an important cause given "the effects of climate change and environmental harm in our communities."

The program will run until October 2025, according to a CIC spokesperson, "with the goal to transition to a full-time program afterward."