top of page

it's easy to return a container

We’re redefining takeout for the health of the earth. Our reusable containers are made for the environment and food lovers.
A pork dish in a Friendlier reusable container, in front of a take out bag

STEP 1

order

Visit a participating Friendlier location and get food in a Friendlier container. While some locations only use Friendlier containers, most locations offer our containers as an option, so make sure to ask for it! You might have to pay a small $0.50 - 1.00 deposit when you order, but don’t worry, you’ll get it back when you return the container.

Tip: ask for your food/drink served in a Friendlier container!

Woman looks at her salad in a Friendlier reusable container

STEP 2

enjoy

Eat your food, drink your drinks. Whenever your finished, scrape any remaining leftover food remnants out. Don’t worry about washing your container, rinsing is appreciated but not necessary. 

Tip: If you have leftovers, keep it for another day. Our containers are freezer, fridge, and microwave safe!

Phone scanning the QR sticker on a Friendlier container

STEP 3

scan

Use the Friendlier mobile app to scan the qr code sticker on your container. Alternatively, you can log into your account on app.friendlier.ca and input the alphanumeric qr code there.

Why scan? You get money back with every Friendlier container return. Scanning lets us know to reimburse your account!

Tip: find the qr code sticker on the bottom or side of the container

A Friendlier container being dropped into a return bin

STEP 4

return

Drop your container off in a Friendlier collection bin at any of our participating locations. Yes, any!

Friendlier mobile app homescreen showing environmental impact of container returns

STEP 5

collect

We give you money back when you scan and return your container. You’ll see it in your account 1-2 weeks after you dropped off your container. When it appears in your account, you have the option to deposit it through e-transfer, or donate it to a featured charity.

frequently asked questions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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”.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • What if my container is broken?
    Scan and return it anyways! We will make sure it gets properly recycled!
  • 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.
  • Do I have to wash my container before returning it?
    No, but please scrape out all food residue in a food compost bin before returning.
  • How long does it take to get cashback?
    It takes 1-2 weeks after scanning and returning your container for your cashback to appear in your account. If it's been more than 3 weeks, contact us at info@friendlier.com
  • What if I don't have a phone?
    You can input the qr alphanumeric code on your container and get cashback by logging into your account on app.friendlier.com. Alternatively, email info@friendlier.com
  • 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/
  • 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.
bottom of page