San Francisco Environment Department Helps Small Businesses Go Green, Save Money, and Ditch Single-Use Items

San Francisco Environment Department Helps Small Businesses Go Green, Save Money, and Ditch Single-Use Items  

The reusable foodware incentive program helps individual small businesses reduce waste and save money on their food service operations.

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Environment Department (SF Environment) continues its work to support small businesses through zero-waste incentives. More than $3,000 in financial incentives are available to any small business that needs assistance to transition their operations from single-use disposables to sustainable foodware. These incentives offer small businesses help in purchasing reusable foodware and dishwashing appliances.

“Small businesses keep our neighborhoods vibrant and help drive our economic recovery, and we should be making it easier for them to succeed,” said Mayor Lurie. “This program helps small businesses save money while reducing waste—reflecting our administration’s work to maintain San Francisco’s status as a leader in climate protection.”

“The small businesses we work with know that environmental actions—even seemingly small ones—have outsized impacts on reducing waste and increasing long term savings. But small businesses need help getting started,” said Tyrone Jue, Director of SF Environment. “That’s where we come in. These incentives are a win-win and prove that environmental sustainability is not a luxury, but a cost-effective necessity that saves businesses money over the long run, and keeps waste out of our landfills.”

Since 2021, SF Environment has provided over $150,000 in financial incentives and in-language technical assistance to more than 300 small businesses and food service operations to switch to reusable foodware. SF Environment staff connect directly with businesses to inform them of available incentives and then work closely to engage business owners on the customized integration of reusable foodware into their workflows.

Previous small businesses served by SF Environment found that switching to reusable foodware can save anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000 annually on a combination of supply costs, labor, water, and lower refuse bills. Additionally, there has been positive customer feedback on the elevated dining experience. 

“Switching to reusable foodware with this program has been a game-changer for our restaurant,” said Jay Zhang of Papa Noodle on New Montgomery St. in FiDi. “We've seen real cost savings, dramatically reduced our waste, and taken a big step toward more sustainable operations. The San Francisco Environment Department has been incredible—their staff is responsive and committed, and their programs make it easier for small businesses to thrive while helping the planet.”

Many small businesses accessing SF Environment’s incentives for reusable foodware also become participants in the San Francisco Green Business Program. With over 425 businesses certified in the City, the SF Green Business certification recognizes businesses that conserve water, waste, and energy while saving money and prioritizing the health and safety of their employees. The program offers additional incentives and resources to participating businesses to expand their sustainability practices—such as through the use of eco-friendly products—and connects them to other local, state, and private grant and incentive programs.

“San Francisco businesses continue to lead by example, proving that sustainability and long-term success go hand in hand,” said Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to programs from SF Environment, our small businesses have access to real tools and support to cut costs, operate more sustainably, and deepen their connection with the community.”

SF Environment offers three free programs to assist small business food service operations. These incentives help restaurants and cafes transition away from disposable, single-use dishes.

1. Restaurants and Cafes: If you own a restaurant or cafe, you can get up to $700 to switch from disposable to reusable foodware for dine-in services. You will also receive free advice and help to make the change easier. Schedule your free consultation today by filling out the form at SFReuse.org.
    
2. Large Institutions: If you own an entertainment venue, hotel, school, health facility, mall, or other large institution, you can get up to $5,000. This money can be used to switch to reusable foodware or partner with a service provider that helps with reuse. Five incentives annually are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit an interest form.
    
3. Dishwashers: Get up to $2,500 toward leasing or buying an automatic dishwasher, to help build on-site reusable foodware infrastructure for dining. Businesses that have an existing automatic dishwasher on site are not eligible for funding. Submit an interest form.

For general questions about these incentives, please email [email protected] or call 415-355-3700. For more information on how to certify as a green business, please visit San Francisco Green Business Program.

About SF Environment

Now in its 30th year, SF Environment is the City’s climate accountability, coordination, and equity engine, advancing climate protection to enhance quality of life for all San Franciscans. SF Environment is recognized worldwide for its environmental policies and programs, which center on reducing emissions, achieving zero waste, reducing toxic chemical hazards, advancing environmental justice, promoting sustainable transportation modes, expanding clean energy infrastructure, greening our built environment, and protecting our urban forest.

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