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how to reuse at UBC
Whether you're picking up lunch between classes or grabbing a bite on the go, you can now enjoy your meal waste-free.

STEP 1
enjoy
Enjoy your meal in a Friendlier container or cup. You’ll pay a small refundable deposit ($0.50–$1.00), which you get back when you return it.

STEP 2
scan
Use the Friendlier app or go to app.friendlier.ca to scan or enter the QR code.

STEP 3
return
Return to any Friendlier bin on campus. Drop it in, done. You’ve just made a more sustainable choice!

collect your deposit
You’ll see the deposit in your Friendlier account about 1–2 weeks after drop-off.
From there, you choose:
✅ Deposit it via e-transfer
❤️ Donate it to a featured charity
Simple, flexible, and good for the planet.
where to find
on UBC's campus

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How do I add a new question & answer?To add a new FAQ follow these steps: 1. Click “Manage FAQs” button 2. From your site’s dashboard you can add, edit and manage all your questions and answers 3. Each question and answer should be added to a category 4. Save and publish.
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Can I insert an image, video, or gif in my FAQ?Yes. To add media follow these steps: 1. Enter the app’s Settings 2. Click on the “Manage FAQs” button 3. Select the question you would like to add media to 4. When editing your answer click on the camera, video, or GIF icon 5. Add media from your library.
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How do I edit or remove the “FAQ” title?You can edit the title from the Settings tab in the app. If you don’t want to display the title, simply disable the Title under “Info to Display”.
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How long should it take to confirm my deposit?It typically takes 1-2 weeks to confirm your deposit from the time it is dropped off at a collection site. If it has been over 2 weeks, no need to fear, send us an email on our contact us page and we will investigate.
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Is it safe to reuse plastic containers?Yes! Our containers have been third party tested and are free from BPA, PFAs, and other harmful toxins. We did the due diligence to ensure that your containers are safe for use and reuse!
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What if my container or cup is broken?Scan and return it anyways! We will make sure it gets properly recycled.
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Do I have to wash my container or cup before returning it?No! But please empty all leftover food or liquids before returning.
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Is it safe to use reusable containers?Yes, we take sanitation seriously! Our high-temperature dishwasher is rated to kill 99.999% of bacteria and viruses.
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How long does it take to get my deposit back?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
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What if I don't have a phone?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.
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Is reuse better than using compostable packaging?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/
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Why not just recycle?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.
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Is reuse clean?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!
frequently asked questions
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