WE'VE REUSED OVER 3.7 MILLION CONTAINERS!
frequently asked questions
Curiosity got the best of you? Find answers to your burning questions here.
We currently serve businesses across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia! If you're in one of these provinces and want to check if we’re available in your area, feel free to reach out, we’re always expanding! Don’t see your location on the list? Let’s chat! We’d love to explore how we can bring Friendlier to your community.
For the best experience, Friendlier containers should be used exclusively wherever possible. Offering them as an optional alternative to single-use packaging can create confusion, slow down service, and put extra pressure on your food service staff to explain the program. A full rollout ensures a smoother transition, a more streamlined process, and maximum environmental impact!
Our deliveries work just like ordering single-use packaging: place an order, and we’ll deliver within 3 days.
Pickups are based on volume, with a minimum of weekly pickups. Larger clients may receive daily pickups (Monday to Friday) to keep operations running smoothly. Need a custom schedule? Let’s chat and find the best fit for you!
Yes! Friendlier containers are microwave-safe, so you can easily reheat your meals.
Here are the key features: ✅ Microwave-safe – Heat your food with ease. ✅ Dishwasher-safe – Built for commercial and home dishwashers. ✅ Leak-resistant – Secure lids help prevent spills. ✅ Durable & BPA-free – Made from high-quality, food-safe materials. ✅ Stackable – Designed to save space in storage and during transport. ✅ Made in Canada – Locally produced for a more sustainable future.
Friendlier containers are built for convenience, helping you make the switch to reuse seamlessly!
In the Deposit-Return Model, your customers will pay a deposit when they purchase their meal, scan the container when they return it, and receive their deposit refunded digitally. For you, as the operator, you’ll order Friendlier reusable packaging, pay for the deposits, and sell meals with the added deposit. Friendlier will handle the pickup of returned containers, and you’ll be able to track the impact and reorder as needed.
In the Deposit-Included Model, your customers will simply order their meal and return the container. The deposit will be refunded to you, the business. As the operator, you’ll order Friendlier reusable packaging, pay for the deposits, sell meals, encourage customers to return their containers for Friendlier pickups, and receive credits for all returned containers.
Need help deciding which model is right for your business? Reach out, and we’ll guide you through it!
No, Friendlier reusable containers don’t add more work for you or your team. They operate just like single-use containers, with the only difference being the container deposit, which is added if you’ve chosen our Standard Deposit Model.
Here’s how we make it easy for you: ✅ Customer Education – We’ll support you in educating your customers about the reuse process and how to return their containers. ✅ Dishwashing & Sanitation – Friendlier takes care of all washing and sanitation. ✅ Deposit Returns – We handle all deposit returns, so there’s no extra work for you.
Want to learn more about how reuse will work at your business? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to walk you through the details!
Most customers will be happy to participate and find the process easy to use. If some prefer not to download the app, they can use the quick scan option instead.
For customers who don’t want to engage with the system at all, reach out to us. We can explore alternative options. We’re here to make the process as smooth and flexible as possible!
businesses
Scan and return it anyways! We will make sure it gets properly recycled.
No! But please empty all leftover food or liquids before returning.
Yes, we take sanitation seriously! Our high-temperature dishwasher is rated to kill 99.999% of bacteria and viruses.
It takes 1-2 weeks after scanning and returning your container for your deposit to appear in your account. If it's been more than 3 weeks, contact us at info@friendlier.com
You can input the QR alphanumeric code on your container or cup and get your deposit back by logging into your account on app.friendlier.com.
There is a lot of miscommunication around compostable and biodegradable products however compostable packaging is single-use packaging. It is estimated that 95% of the environmental impact of packaging occurs before it is used, meaning that the end of life only accounts for less than 5% of the environmental impact. Reuse means that containers only need to be manufactured once, and the impact can be driven down with each reuse.
Additionally:
Compostable packaging often can not be composted in municipal composting programs, and therefore contaminates the compost stream.
Compostable packaging often contains harmful chemicals like PFAs which help repel moisture. These can leach out into the food you are consuming or into the environment if they break down.
Compostable products can not be recycled at the end of life and when mixed into recycling streams can ruin recycling streams.
For more resources about the environmental impact of packaging, check out https://environmentalpaper.org/solving-packaging/
We love recycling! But.. reuse is better!
Reuse is better than recycling for several reasons:
Energy conservation: Reusing a product or material requires much less energy than recycling it. Recycling requires processing and transportation to a recycling facility, which can be energy-intensive. Reusing an item does not require any additional energy beyond its initial production and transportation.
Reduced waste: Reusing a product or material can help reduce waste by extending its life cycle. Recycling, on the other hand, still produces waste in the form of processing by-products and often cannot achieve a 100% recovery rate.
Environmental impact: Reusing products or materials reduces the environmental impact of the production process because it avoids the need to extract new raw materials or energy sources. Recycling still requires the consumption of energy and raw materials, which can contribute to environmental damage.
Overall, reuse is better than recycling because it conserves energy, reduces waste, and has a lower environmental impact. However, recycling is still an important practice for reducing waste and conserving resources, and we make sure that every container gets recycled at its end of life.
Yes, we take sanitation seriously! Our high-temperature dishwasher is rated to kill 99.999% of bacteria and viruses. Plus our containers are BPA free!
general
have more questions?
We’re here to help! Get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to assist you.