Sustainability has long been a cornerstone of Hamilton College’s values, guided by their Sustainability Action Plan. Intending to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, Hamilton focuses on creating a culture of sustainability, managing food and waste responsibly, and making purchasing and procurement more sustainable. 

However, two areas in their dining operations presented clear opportunities for improvement:

1. The Reusable Container Dilemma: While reusable containers had been introduced to reduce waste, the existing token and deposit system proved inefficient. Containers were often misplaced or unreturned, leading to logistical headaches and lost resources.
2. Single-Use Coffee Cup Waste: Single-use coffee cups remained a significant source of waste, conflicting with the college’s sustainability goals and their aim to foster a greener campus culture.

These challenges underscored the need for a streamlined solution to reduce waste, simplify operations, and engage students in sustainable practices.

Introducing Fill it Forward 

Hamilton College partnered with Fill it Forward to implement Borrow in Fall 2024, a reusable container and cup rental system aligned with their sustainability goals. This innovative program allowed students to:

Eliminate Waste: Students had access to free, reusable options for dining and beverages, helping the college move away from single-use products.

Simple Opt-In: Using their Hamilton username and password, students could seamlessly join the program.

Track Usage: Each reusable container and cup was equipped with a Fill it Forward Sticker, which, when accompanied by the Fill it Forward app, encourages accountability and fosters a sense of ownership.