SAN FRANCISCO – In a major win for environmentalists, San Francisco’s innovative CityDish program has successfully reduced single-use takeout containers by almost 75% in just three years.
Launched in 2020, the program allows restaurants and cafes to use shared dishware provided by the city for leftovers and takeout orders. The reusable containers include silverware, plates, and bowls with lids that are picked up by the city’s waste management system, Recology, alongside compost and recycling.
The dishes are then brought to a central dishwashing service located in the Bayview, where they are washed and sterilized before being redistributed back to restaurants and businesses.
The program’s success has been hailed by environmentalists and supporters of reuse. “The CityDish program is a shining example of what can be achieved when cities prioritize sustainability and think creatively about waste reduction,” said Jane Smith, executive director of the Environmental Defense Fund.
San Francisco Supervisor Maria Rodriguez, who helped launch the program, added, “CityDish has not only reduced waste but has also fostered a greater sense of community among local businesses who are working together to create a more sustainable future.”
Perhaps most surprising, the program has had minimal impact on the bottom line of local businesses, with many small business owners reporting that customers have embraced the new system with enthusiasm.
“I was a bit skeptical at first, but our customers have been really supportive of the program,” said Tony Nguyen, owner of a Vietnamese restaurant in the Mission District. “We haven’t seen any significant decrease in sales, and it’s great to know that we’re doing our part to reduce waste and protect the environment.”
CityDish’s success has also inspired other cities to launch similar programs. Portland, Oregon, is currently piloting its own version of the program, while New York City is exploring the feasibility of implementing a similar system.
As cities across the country look for ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability, San Francisco’s CityDish program offers a model for success that could have a significant impact on the future of waste reduction in the United States.