Photo / Courtesy Belfast Community Co-op
The returnable’s program is part of a $6.4 million overhaul and expansion of the co-op that finished up last year and included café upgrades.
Updated: April 17, 2025
Belfast co-op finds old-school solution for a modern challenge
Photo / Courtesy Belfast Community Co-op
Jamie Cermak, Belfast Community Co-op’s marketing manager, said the Bring It Back silverware initiative was met with enthusiasm by co-op members.
Not long ago, biodegradable to-go containers and bags were the buzz among an increasing numbers of food businesses and lodgings looking to switch out from petroleum-based items.
Now there’s a bit of a trend in returnable to-go ware.
Earlier this year, College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor said it’s the first college in the U.S. to eliminate disposable plastic food ware in all retail dining operations, with the launch of a reusable to-go ware program for takeaway containers, insulated tumblers and sporks, combined with QR codes that make it possible to trace the whereabouts of laggard returns.
The Belfast Community Co-op recently followed suit when it launched a Bring It Back silverware initiative that offers to-go stainless steel utensils at its café.
“Simply grab the utensils you need, use them while you’re here or on the go and bring them back the next time you’re in,” the co-op said on a Facebook post. “We will handle the washing!”
The post continued, “We’ve heard your requests for better options, and our hope is that this will help reduce the amount of plastic waste.”
A mainstay in the Waldo County town since 1976, the co-op reached 5,333 owners, including 630 new owners, at the close of fiscal year 2024.
“Our owners, especially those who frequently enjoy meals at our café, have expressed their appreciation for having a more sustainable option available,” Jamie Cermak, the coop’s marketing manager told Mainebiz. “Many have told us how refreshing it is to see a local business taking real steps to reduce waste.”
The program rolled out on April 1 for Earth Month.
“Our community has always been deeply conscious of the environmental impact of single-use plastics, and that concern has only grown in recent years,” Cermak said. “Many of our owners have voiced their frustrations about the excessive waste generated by disposable utensils, especially in places where more sustainable options could easily be implemented.”
He added, “It’s a small but impactful step toward promoting a culture of sustainability in our community.”
Other food co-ops around the country have had success with similar initiatives, he said. Previously, the co-op was using a “compostable eco plastic” and bamboo takeaway cutlery.
Cermak credited the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition for reaching out to Belfast businesses, including the co-op, to discuss moving on from compostable plastic. The co-op still offers a small amount of bamboo takeaway cutlery for tourists, but would be fine if tourists take the metal, he said.
“We will still see a net reduction in single-use cutlery,” he said.
The program operates on an honor system.
“Of course, we understand that not every piece will make its way back to us — but that’s okay,” he said. “This initiative is grounded in the idea that progress doesn't have to be perfect to make a positive impact.”
To help keep the program going strong, the co-op is accepting donations of unwanted or gently used silverware.
Folks aren’t just participating; they’re also spreading the word and the original Facebook post got more than 300 interactions and “a ton” of shares, said Cermak.
He added, “We’ve already had several locals reach out to donate extra silverware from their own homes.”
It’s still early days for the rollout, but so far it’s a success.
“People are returning the silverware, offering to help and embracing the program in exactly the way we had hoped.”
The program is part of a $6.4 million overhaul and expansion of the co-op facility, at 123 High St., that finished up last year. The overhaul included reopening the café that closed in 2020, with new services, new equipment, an updated menu and an improved seating area.
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