USEFULL, the plastic-free reuse platform transforming takeout dining in higher education campus settings, has launched its first senior living deployment at The Glen at Scripps Ranch, marking the company’s expansion into a new category of “campus-style” communities.
The program replaces single-use takeout packaging with durable, stainless steel containers that residents check out and return, bringing a proven, closed-loop reuse system from higher education into senior living.
“Senior living communities operate a lot like campuses. They have centralized dining, recurring users, a need for consistency, and a commitment to community health,” said Alison Cove, founder and CEO of USEFULL. “The Glen is a perfect example of how plastic-free reuse can work beyond colleges, delivering both operational reliability and a better resident experience.”
A Better Model for Senior Living Dining
Senior living communities offering takeout meals often rely heavily on disposable packaging that drives up costs, creates operational headaches, and generates visible waste. At the same time, growing research around microplastics and PFAS in food packaging is increasing concern about the long-term health implications of eating and drinking from plastic containers, especially for populations already more vulnerable to health complications.
“Senior living residents are well aware of the health hazards associated with plastics and concerns about brain health, like Alzheimer’s and other disease risks,” said MJ Eldridge, Head of Operations and Product Development, USEFULL. “They move to these residences for the opportunity to live a healthier life as they age.”
USEFULL replaces single-use and plastic container-based models with its library-style reuse system:
- Residents receive to-go meals in plastic-free reusable containers
- Containers are tracked through a simple scan-based system
- Automated reminders and reporting ensure high return rates
- Dining teams wash and recirculate containers for continuous use
The system is designed specifically for “resort-style living,” combining ease of use with operational control and real-time data reporting.
Why It Works for Senior Living
While sustainability is a growing consideration, adoption in senior living is driven by practical realities and resident demand. Other factors include:
- Cost control: Eliminates constant reordering of disposable packaging
- Supply chain stability: No risk of running out of containers
- Resident expectations: Meets demand for plastic-free, non-toxic foodware
- Operational simplicity: Seamlessly integrated into existing dining workflows
- Health considerations: Eliminates daily exposure to microplastics and PFAS associated with plastic and plastic-lined food packaging
“Within the last 12 months, anything that is made by our manufacturing partners overseas has been incredibly affected by the increased tariffs. We’ve noticed a 28% increase on single-use plastics and 35% on compostables. Our annual spend on single-use was already extremely high and tariffs have made it impossible for us to justify spending that kind of money on what just becomes trash. USEFULL just makes sense,” said Steve Floyd, Director of Food and Beverage at The Glen at Scripps Ranch.
A Natural Next Step Beyond University Dining
USEFULL has rapidly scaled across higher education, with deployments at institutions including UNC Wilmington, UNC Greensboro, Emory University, and the University of Pittsburgh. The move into senior living reflects a broader strategy: expanding reuse into environments where people live, dine, and return regularly.
“Anywhere you have a contained community, reuse works,” Cove added. “Senior living is just the beginning.”