Reusable instead of disposable

No more waste - we have a solution on how to avoid waste. Anyone who orders food in our canteens and cafeterias and wants to take it home can now take advantage of the following offers:

  • Your own coffee cup
    We allow you to fill your own cup at our coffee stations. You save waste - and money! At some of our cafeterias, for example in the ''Gallery'', we also sell the refillable ''Besser Becher''.
  • Your own bowl
    You are welcome to bring your own bowl or container to have it filled. The capacity should be about 1,100 ml so that the portion can be filled.
  • Bring your own cutlery
    You are also welcome to bring your own cutlery to avoid disposable waste on campus.
  • Reusable canteen cutlery
    Since 12th April 2021, we have been giving out our canteen cutlery in the main canteen with every order, deposit-free. For the system to work, the cutlery must be returned after use. For this purpose, cutlery boxes are available at the return stations for our Relevo reusable cutlery.
  • Relevo reusable tableware - buy or borrow
    Since 15th of March 2021, we are using Relevo bowls. The dishes are sturdy, can be closed with a lid and keep food safe and warm even in cool outdoor temperatures. The bowl can be bought or borrowed. If you want to borrow the bowl, all you need is the provider's app:

The Relevo System: How it works!

  1. Download the Relevo app
    from Google Play or the App Store and register.
  2. Order food
    and have it served in the free Relevo reusable dishes.
  3. Scan the QR code
    printed on the dishes and show your smartphone at the checkout.
    We wish you bon appétit!
  4. Return the dishes
    - as soon as possible, but after 14 days at the latest - at the return stations set up in the refectory. Scan the QR code there again. Done.

Questions and answers about the reusable system

Why are you introducing the system? And why do you no longer give out disposable dishes?

We serve several thousand guests a day in our 18 refectories and cafeterias. The amount of disposable packaging handed out is correspondingly high. Although these are selected according to sustainability aspects - many components are compostable - it is difficult if not impossible to separate and dispose of the individual components by type. The best solution in terms of sustainability is therefore to avoid waste.

We are certain that we can only solve the problem of "disposable waste on campus" if we completely stop issuing disposable packaging. We depend on the help of our guests to do this: Please get ready for the introduction of the new reusable-to-go system and register in the Relevo app on Google Play or in the App Store or grab your own reusable dishes. It's easy to help the environment!

Can I also buy Relevo's bowls in the canteen?

Yes. A sale of Relevo Bowls with lids for 10 euros is planned in our refectories and cafeterias. The bowls and lids for sale are different in colour from the containers that do not participate in the reusable cycle and do not have a QR code. This also makes it obvious to us that you are using your own reusable tableware that is not part of the reusable-to-go system.

Can I put the dishes in the microwave/dishwasher/freezer? Is it sustainable?

The reusable tableware used comes from the manufacturer Ornamin from Westphalia, the products are accordingly 100% made in Germany and are subject to continuous control. The products are:

  • Light, break-proof, scratch-proof and durable.
  • Slosh-proof sealable
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Microwaveable (max. 2 minutes at max. 600 watts)
  • Freezer safe (up to -25°C)
  • Food-safe & free of harmful substances (without dangerous plasticisers)
  • Made of quality plastic (BPA-free)
  • Tasteless & odourless
  • Space-saving storage - stackable
  • 100% recyclable (recyclable again)
I have scratch marks on the reusable dishes. Do I have to buy the bowl?

Relevo reusable tableware is robust. Scratch marks should be minimal to non-existent with normal use. You can therefore return the bowls to the reusable cycle and do not need to buy the tableware. However, if there are clearly visible signs of use after several uses, we will replace the dishes after they have been returned. The used tableware can then be shredded and made into new bowls. The material is fully recyclable.

Do I have to wash the Relevo reusable dishes before returning them?

Please remove food leftovers as best you can. We always clean all containers and return them hygienically and cleanly to the reusable cycle.

I still have questions about the reusable system. Who can I contact?

Please write to gastronomy(at)stwdo.de