Case Study: University of Nebraska-Lincoln achieves a 98% return rate with Topanga's ReusePass

University of Nebraska-Lincoln hits 98% return rate with Topanga

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) aimed to become a zero-waste campus but struggled with its reusable container program, which relied on an honor system and suffered from significant losses. After their token-based system resulted in a low return rate and nearly $50,000 in lost containers, UNL turned to Topanga and its ReusePass system to create a more effective, trackable solution.

Topanga implemented its ReusePass management system, which featured 1:1 container tracking and integrated with the university's existing mobile ordering flow. The solution, enhanced by targeted engagement campaigns, led to a 98% container return rate. This success resulted in an estimated $76,000 reduction in packaging costs and diverted 218,000 single-use containers from the landfill.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln