PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESS Newswire / September 29, 2025 / The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is taking its commitment to sustainability to the next level with the launch of a new reusable coffee cup program in partnership with USEFULL, the leading provider of plastic-free, stainless steel reusables for campus dining.

Starting this month, students can order their favorite hot or cold beverages in lightweight, double-walled stainless steel coffee cups that keep drinks at the perfect temperature. Available in a 16-ounce size, the cups are part of Pitt's campus-wide push to reduce single-use waste and are free to use when returned within the standard two-day window.

"Students are enthusiastic coffee drinkers, and Pitt Eats provides a wide selection of options and locations for students to start their days or fuel their nights," said John Longo, Vice President of Operations, Pitt Eats. "By expanding our partnership with USEFULL, we're giving students a familiar, high-quality experience that mirrors what they already enjoy with their Yeti and Stanley cups while helping us make measurable progress toward Pitt's sustainability goals."

Expanding From Dining Halls to Campus Retail Coffee Spots

USEFULL first launched at Pitt last winter, replacing disposable takeout containers in residential dining halls The Eatery and The Perch with durable stainless steel options. For coffee service, Pitt Eats offers a variety of house-roasted coffee and other hot beverage selections, including drip coffee, tea, espresso, and handcrafted beverages. The new coffee program expands reuse into high-traffic retail dining locations, including:

• Unwind, Litchfield Towers

• Bunsen Brewer, Chevron Science Center

• RxPresso, Salk Hall

• Cafe Victoria, Victoria Hall

• Campus Coffee & Tea, Public Health

• Bottom Line Bistro, Mervis Hall

• Cafe 1787, Alumni Hall

• Cafe 1923, The University Club

The expansion aligns with Pitt's commitment to reduce landfill waste by 25% by 2030 from 2017 levels, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in campus sustainability.

Smart, Tech-Enabled Reuse

Each coffee cup features a QR code linked to USEFULL's app, which manages check-outs, sends return reminders, and ensures smooth tracking. This technology supports industry-leading return rates of more than 99%, ensuring the program's efficiency and reliability for students and dining staff alike.

Beyond sustainability, the program will deliver significant cost savings. Single-use coffee service can be expensive, with cups, lids, and sleeves often costing $0.30 to $0.65 per drink. At a busy café serving hot drinks a day, the cost for disposable cups adds up over a semester. Reusables help unlock savings in university coffee programs.

"Our coffee program is a natural next step for Pitt's sustainability efforts," said Rob Kutner, who leads the campus partnership team at USEFULL. "Students want high-quality, safe, and convenient options and campuses want solutions that save money, reduce waste and deliver measurable impact. Together with Pitt Eats, we're making reuse easy and accessible across campus."

About USEFULL

USEFULL is building a zero-waste future by eliminating plastics and single-use packaging from the takeout stream in higher ed dining operations. Its tech-enabled stainless steel system helps customers reduce waste, save water, cut emissions, and drive lasting behavior change. Designed with student health in mind, USEFULL offers a safer, non-toxic alternative to plastic containers, supporting both institutional goals and individual wellbeing. Learn more at https://www.usefull.us.

Contact:

Mark O'Toole
mark@usefull.us
(617) 500-3290

SOURCE: USEFULL