The distribution of single-use items was recently restricted by the City of Eugene, including drink stirrers, utensils, straws, individually packaged condiments, extra cups and lids, and containers for sauces served on the side. Additional regulations in Portland, Seattle, and throughout Oregon—where other Café Yumm! restaurants are located—were less restrictive. However, we decided to develop a Eugene-compliant waste reduction policy for all 23 Café Yumm! restaurants in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

Although we source single-use takeout items made of compostable and/or recycled materials, this new policy further aligns with our triple bottom line philosophy to balance the environmental, social, and economic concerns of operating our restaurants.

Café Yumm! has been recognized as an innovator in the restaurant industry for sustainability programs over the last two decades. From installing solar panels and electric car charging stations, to removing trash cans from dining rooms and offering bus tubs for sorting washable serviceware instead, food scrap compost, and recycling, our restaurants place eco-friendly business practices at the forefront. We became one of Oregon’s first Benefit Companies in 2014 and have received numerous awards for environmental values.

“While convenience items are often included in takeout orders, our new policy will reduce the amount of unnecessary waste going to the landfill. Together with our guests, following this policy is another major step toward addressing the environmental impact of our restaurants,” says Rico Lea, Director of Restaurant Operations at Café Yumm!.

Thank you for helping us reduce waste!