Frequently asked questions about Retournzy
Many questions come up when we talk about Retournzy so we have decided to gather all answers in this FAQ. Find out more about cooperatives, deposit system and, if you don’t find the answer to your question, you can always contact us
Most popular questions
What is Retournzy’s mission?
Our mission is to reduce waste at the source in the food service industry and revolutionize the way people consume take-out and delivery meals by offering an ecological and sustainable alternative to the use of single-use containers through a service of distribution, collection, washing and sanitization of shared reusable containers.
How does the deposit work?
A deposit is the amount of money deposited when you take the reusable container into your possession. This deposit (which is not taxed) will be recovered when the container is returned. It is the same principle as the deposit you pay when you buy a bottle of beer, which is returned to you when you return the empty bottle to the convenience store.
Essentially, a deposit will be exchanged between Retournzy and the food service as well as between drop-off point and its customers. The deposit is used as an incentive to return the container.
What is a solidarity cooperative?
A cooperative is a group of people or companies who decide together to satisfy common needs by operating an enterprise in accordance with cooperative rules of action. A cooperative is therefore an enterprise owned and controlled by the bearers of the economic, social or cultural needs that it aims to satisfy. It necessarily acts in the commercial sector and ensures the production of goods or, as in our case, services.
The cooperative model makes it possible to offer a service designed BY and FOR its members, so that they can define the solution and expand it within a strong, committed and united network.
A cooperative is defined as “solidarity” when it is run by members from diverse categories. As for Retournzy, its members either work for or support the cooperative.
Why is Retournzy a cooperative?
Retournzy is a transition project. We are convinced that it will only work if individuals, companies and the public sphere collaborate together. A collective business model was therefore an obvious way to actively involve all these players.
Since workers and support members of the cooperative are also owners, each individual is listened to and participates in the co-creation of our service. Instead of moving forward alone, we move forward together.
We have also chosen to be a cooperative with a non-profit tax status so that the partners involved are involved for the right reasons and not only for profit. A cooperative is of course looking for profit but not the maximization of profit at all costs. Our revenues will be systematically reinvested in our environmental and social mission.
Why join Retournzy’s network ?
- Anticipate future changes in single-use packaging requirements (proactivity) while enjoying strategic advantages
- No additional tablet or mobile application required
- Access to a reusable container solution without the need for high cash flow
- Fast delivery and service with a local wash and storage facility
- Reduced storage space requirements
- Attract and retain environmentally conscious customers with higher average purchasing power
- Improving consumer experience when eating take-out
- Enhance the value of its products
- Promote its eco-responsible values
- No additional operation for member establishments
Where can I find restaurants members of Retournzy?
You can visit our Network page which will show you all the places where Retournzy containers are available.
Where should I return my container?
Customers may return their rinsed container to any member of the drop-off point identified on the map. It is not mandatory that the container be returned to the restaurant where you borrowed it.
The return of the dirty (but ideally rinsed!) container is done directly into the transport box available in our network without having personnel to come into contact with the container. The drop-off point then records the deposit in its cash register system and will give you your deposit back.
How much time do I have to return my container?
As soon as possible! You can drop off your container before you get home from work, while you’re walking your dog Lucky or while you’re doing your weekly shopping! There will always be a time when you’ll pass by a drop-off point!
Retournzy containers
What material are the containers made of?
Containers are made of food grade stainless steel. The lid is also made of food grade silicone. They are durable and healthy. These materials do not release toxic products – as opposed to some plastics – when in contact with heat. A chemical migration test is performed in laboratory when we receive containers order to confirm these aspects. Moreover, they are resistant to the multiple washings they will undergo in their useful life!
Can I put the container in a microwave?
If you value your microwave, we strongly recommand you not to heat the content of your container in it! Fireworks are nice outside, not in your kitchen :)! Our containers are made to keep your meal warm, but if you want to reheat it, you can put it in the oven or pour it into a plate that will go in your microwave.
Can I put the container in an oven?
Yes, as long as you use heat gloves so you don’t burn yourself 🙂
Don’t forget to remove the lid before putting your meal in the oven to ensure longevity.
Where do your containers come from?
The containers come from China and are made with stainless steel from the same country. We hear you say “oh nooo!!!”.
We did a wide search for manufacturers in Quebec and North America but this search was unsuccessful and manufacturers we met all explained to us that they do not manufacture this type of container for reasons of price competitiveness compared to Chinese manufacturers who produce, today, nearly 80% of the world’s stainless steel.
However, our partner in Quebec helped us find a manufacturer who has environmental and social certifications in order to ensure decent working conditions and minimal impact on the environment (more details to come on these certifications).
How do you ensure that containers are clean before they are reused?
Container washing operations will be carried out in accordance with the rules in force established by the MAPAQ and specified in the cleaning and sanitation guide: more information here.
Rapid tests for pathogens to ensure the quality of the washing will be conducted at regular intervals and results will be recorded in order to ensure the highest quality to our users, although these tests are not a requirement of the MAPAQ (fact validated with MAPAQ).
Leak-proof boxes of clean and dirty containers will be stored separately (pending washing or delivery) at the washing site. They will also undergo a rigorous washing between each use.
How will the containers be delivered to restaurants?
The delivery of container boxes from network members is planned once a week or on order.The delivery of the containers will be subcontracted to a carbon-neutral urban logistics company by bicycle. They will be organized to maximize the efficiency of logistics rounds.
What is the size of the containers ?
Our containers have a capacity of 1000ml (3.5″,5.5″,3″). We offer one size to start but eventually we want to have 4 or 5 sizes that we will choose with our restaurant members to meet their needs. Our container offer is available on the section Our offer.
The deposit service
How does the deposit work?
A deposit is the amount of money deposited when you take the reusable container into your possession. This deposit (which is not taxed) will be recovered when the container is returned. It is the same principle as the deposit you pay when you buy a bottle of beer, which is returned to you when you return the empty bottle to the convenience store.
Essentially, a deposit will be exchanged between Retournzy and the food service as well as between drop-off point and its customers. The deposit is used as an incentive to return the container.
How much is the deposit?
The amount is $9.
Where should I return my container?
Consumers will be able to return their rinsed container to any Retournzy drop-off location identified on the map.
The deposit of the dirty (but ideally rinsed!) container is made directly into the designated transport case.
The facility will record the deposit in their cashier system and give you your deposit back.
How long do I have to return my container?
As fast as possible! You can drop off your container before you get home from work, when you’re walking your dog Lucky or when you’re doing you go shopping! There will always be a time when you’ll pass by a drop-off location!
Can I keep the container?
This is not preferable. The containers are a shared resource among the restaurant members of his network. Each has invested a little bit of their own money to acquire them through the Retournzy co-op, who own the containers throughout their life.
Since we operate as an economy of functionality (or sharing), Retournzy can only work well if everyone plays along. Besides, it’s like when you go to the library, if you don’t bring back your book, it will penalize the person who will want to read it later… Same thing if you don’t bring back the Communauto car so that the next user can enjoy it. In short, although we won’t call the police if you decide to ignore this advice and keep the container at home, we hope that you understand the principle and that you will return your container 😉
Can I keep the container?
No. The $9 non-taxable deposit amount is not a sale but a deposit of money. The deposit should not affect any income statement accounts
Here are the 2 steps to put in place to facilitate:
- Reading your sales reports: Create a “Deposit” button on your cash register system. This will allow you to easily separate the amounts received from deposits and meal sales,
- Quarterly and annual bookkeeping and accounting: Ask your accountant to create a Balance Sheet (current asset) account to record the deposit amounts paid by the restaurant to Retournzy and the deposit amounts received by your customers. This way, these amounts will not affect the income statement.
Do I have to be a member to consume in a Retournzy returnable container?
No, consumers do not have to be a member of Retournzy to consume a dish in a Retournzy container. However, we leave it up to the dining establishment to pass on a portion of the costs charged to them to the consumer, if they choose.
I have had a Retournzy container at home for several months, can I still take it home?
If you have just realized that you have forgotten, and whether it has been 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months or 3 years since you have had our container at home, we invite you to bring it to a Retournzy drop-off location as soon as possible to recover your deposit. This will allow us to give it a proper life continuation.
Cooperative status
What is a solidarity cooperative?
A cooperative is a group of people or companies who decide together to satisfy common needs by operating an enterprise in accordance with cooperative rules of action. A cooperative is therefore an enterprise owned and controlled by the bearers of the economic, social or cultural needs that it aims to satisfy. It necessarily acts in the commercial sector and ensures the production of goods or, as in our case, services.
The cooperative model makes it possible to offer a service designed BY and FOR its members, so that they can define the solution and expand it within a strong, committed and united network.
A cooperative is defined as “solidarity” when it is run by members from diverse categories. As for Retournzy, its members either work for or support the cooperative.
Why is Retournzy a cooperative?
Retournzy is a transition project. We are convinced that it will only work if individuals, companies and the public sphere collaborate together. A collective business model was therefore an obvious way to actively involve all these players.
Since workers and support members of the cooperative are also owners, each individual is listened to and participates in the co-creation of our service. Instead of moving forward alone, we move forward together.
We have also chosen to be a cooperative with a non-profit tax status so that the partners involved are involved for the right reasons and not only for profit. A cooperative is of course looking for profit but not the maximization of profit at all costs. Our revenues will be systematically reinvested in our environmental and social mission.
What is a Retournzy member?
There are three types of Retournzy members
- Working Member: a person who works for Retournzy
- Individual Supporting Member: a person who supports Retournzy
- Corporate Supporting Member: an organization supporting Retournzy
Why join Retournzy?
To support our mission and participate in the decisions of the coop, by getting involved in a project with impact!
How to become a member of the cooperative?
If you want to become a member of the cooperative, contact us ! 🙂
Is there an annual membership fee?
No, there is no annual fee for Retournzy members.
Other questions
When will you arrive in Quebec City?
We are starting in Montreal, but we will grow organically in the greater metropolitan area. Then, we will work with cities in Quebec where there is a large enough concentration of population to make our activities profitable. Quebec City, Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières would be cities to explore and validate the need. Do not hesitate to contact us if you live in these cities and are interested in our service!
Do you have an app?
No, we have decided to launch our project without a mobile application for the restaurant owner or users. Our tests this fall and winter will allow us to validate our hypothesis that the deposit is the solution to launch a low tech project accessible to all.
Are all the dishes delivered to my home?
Delivery is not dependent on the Retournzy service, but you can verify this information with the participating restaurant. However, we are working to create partnerships with meal ordering and delivery platforms. We will keep you informed of the progress on this matter.
Reusable containers and COVID-19, is it compatible?
Our initiative was born in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, in reaction to the fact that restaurant owners no longer wanted us to bring in our containers to avoid possible contamination. The fact that everything is served in single-use packaging made us realize the importance of setting up a service like Retournzy.
Delivered in closed boxes, once carefully washed and sanitized, our containers can be taken out of their cases and used by restaurateurs as they would with single-use containers. It’s so simple and makes much more sense ! 🙂