Receive up to $2,500 to lease or purchase a dishwasher that supports reusable foodware use at your business.
The San Francisco Environment Department is offering financial incentives of up to $2,500 to help food service businesses lease or purchase an automatic dishwasher, cover minor installation costs, and buy essential dishwashing supplies.
The purpose of these incentives is to help San Francisco food-service businesses reduce waste by building or expanding their reusable foodware use and systems for on-site dining. Funding is specifically intended to support businesses in transitioning away from disposable foodware and to long-term reuse solutions, in alignment with San Francisco’s zero waste goals.
Funds are available only until funding runs out - early applications are strongly encouraged.
Business Eligibility
These incentives are specifically intended to support San Francisco food service businesses that are building or strengthening reusable foodware systems for on-site dining.
We will prioritize funding for businesses that:
- Do not currently have an automatic commercial dishwasher
- Are ready to switch from disposable to reusable foodware for on-site dining
- Are already using reusables but are struggling with labor or operations and at risk of returning to disposables
Businesses that already have an operational automatic dishwasher, are able to keep up with reusables with current labor practices or are not planning to serve customers on reusable foodware are not eligible for this funding.
What the incentives can cover
Eligible expenses include:
- Consultation from dishwashing specialists: This includes assistance on choosing an industrial dishwasher, planning the installation process, and optimizing its operation for maximum efficiency.
- Dishwasher installation: Funds may be used for the installation of dishwashers. This includes minor plumbing connections and electrical work specific to the dishwasher installation.
- Dishwasher equipment and supplies: Funds may be used to purchase equipment and supplies for dishwashing. This includes soap, dishwasher racks, drying mats, and other supplies needed for efficient and sanitary dishwashing operations.
Ineligible expenses:
- The funds cannot cover major infrastructure upgrades, such as installing floor drains, water heaters, or full plumbing overhauls.
How to apply
Please fill out the intake form to set up a meeting to see if your business is eligible for funding. The form will take about 10 minutes to complete. We are excited to connect and help your business build reuse infrastructure and reduce waste from disposable foodware.
