What is the new Return2Tiffin initiative all about?

Just like our customers, we are concerned about the environmental impact our operations have on our corner of the planet. We received many comments and emails from tiffin customers about our single use plastic containers and knew this was a way to make a big impact. Now you have the option to get your delicious tiffin meal in a #Return2Tiffin eco-friendly container, giving all of us the opportunity to reduce the flow of single use plastic into the waste stream and reducing the amount of plastic that is produced in the first place. You will also receive your order in a reusable cloth bag that you can use to return the containers. To date, we have eliminated hundreds of thousands of single use plastic containers!

How can I get these containers?

Return2Tiffin containers are available at all tiffin locations when you order online at tiffin.com! Select your order and check out. On the Delivery Options page select "returnable" containers, read and accept the terms of use and then complete your order.

How do I return the containers?

After you have enjoyed your meal, kindly rinse the containers to remove all food residue then place them back in the black, reusable tiffin bag in which your order arrived. You can also wash the containers in your dishwasher but please retain one of the order labels on the top of the container before placing them in the dishwasher. This label contains the information we need to check your containers back in when you return them, much like a library book. If you were unable to save a label, please retain the order receipt that was attached to the bag or place your name and phone number in the return bag. You can hand the bag to your delivery driver next time you order or drop them off at the tiffin location where you placed your order. Please return within 28 days (4 weeks) to avoid being charged $3.50 per container (the charge for us to replace the container). It is very important that you return the containers either with the label or receipt attached, or your name and phone number in the bag. Without these we will not know that you returned the containers and you could be charged.

Do I need to hand wash or wash them in my dishwasher?

No need for hand washing, a quick rinse to remove all food residue is all that's needed. Washing them in your dishwasher is another option but we ask that you retain the order label on the top of at least one container. This label contains the information we need to confirm you returned the containers. Once they arrive at the restaurant, they will be cleaned and sanitized.

I tried to request the containers but they weren't available.

Demand for these containers is very high and continues to grow so we may occasionally run out. At other times our order volume is so high that we can't manage the container process so we will disable the option in our online ordering system. Don't worry though, both of these situations are rare!

Why did some items in my order come in containers that can't be returned?

We are now able to pack the majority of our menu items in returnable containers and we now have reusable cloth bags. We are sourcing new items for the rest and will add it to the lineup as soon as we can!

Will these containers cost me anything?

No! If you return the containers within 28 days (4 weeks) of receiving them, we don't charge you for them. If you don't return the containers within that time you can keep them and we will charge you $3.50 per container. We will send you emailed reminders

How will you guarantee that the containers are thoroughly cleaned?

Every tiffin location is equipped with a washing and sanitizing machine that is maintained monthly and passes strict inspection by tiffin and city and county health inspectors. These containers will go through the same cleaning procedure as dishes, glasses and silverware that are used when you dine in any restaurant that offers sit down service.

What are the containers made from?

The containers are made of sturdy, highly durable polypropylene (plastic). They are microwave and dishwasher-safe, can hold very hot liquids, and are 100% BPA free. The containers also are certified as safe for food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) -- the independent public-health organization that certifies the cooking equipment used by restaurant kitchens.

Why do you want to replace one plastic container with another?

When we pack food for carry out and delivery it is extremely hot. We need containers that can withstand the heat and keep your food safe without leaking. These containers meet our high standard of quality and can be washed and reused up to 1,000 times (we will replace any container that chips or breaks), thereby drastically reducing the number of containers that end up in landfills, in streets or waterways, or are burned. The containers can be recycled at the end of their usable life.

I usually order from tiffin over the phone or in the restaurant. Can I still get my food in the reusable containers?

Not at this time. This option is only available when you order online at tiffin.com.

Can I keep my container?

You may! Customers choosing to keep their containers will be charged $3.50 per container.

Tell me more about the environmental benefits.

The containers typically last well over 1,000 uses. That eliminates the emissions and waste from over 1,000 manufacturing processes. This is way better than even conventional recycling. Recycling generates as much as 67% of the emissions of virgin-material manufacturing, because of the energy used in processing old materials and re-manufacturing. By contrast, Return2Tiffin containers drastically reduces all downstream production emissions.

Reusing our containers also saves tremendous transportation energy. Single-use containers travel long distances from factory to restaurant to customer to landfill. Our containers circulate locally among restaurants and diners, usually just within a few mile radius. Though our containers are made abroad, they are lightweight and travel here by cargo ship, a fuel-efficient journey more than made up for by the reductions in car and truck emissions.