Yes. Reusables are safe, even in the age of COVID-19, as long as proper sanitation procedures are upheld. Reusable, durable products – such as plates and silverware for restaurant dining – have been safely used for years despite the existence of transferable diseases. We recommend this excellent Fact Sheet released by Upstream Solutions discussing the safety of reuse during the pandemic.
There is a theoretical risk of COVID-19 contact transfer from surfaces of reusables (or any other surface), but recent scientific studies show that risk is very low. CDC spokesman Benjamin Haynes shared the following with NPR: “COVID-19 spreads mainly through close contact from person-to-person. While it may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”
The plastics industry has attempted to leverage the pandemic crisis to assert that single-use disposables are the most sanitary option, with no supporting scientific studies. In fact, single-use disposable packaging does not undergo a commercial sanitation process during its production. So, we counter that our reusables, which are washed in a high heat commercial dishwashing machine, are quite possibly safer than disposables.
We do not yet fully understand coronavirus & COVID-19, so it’s important to stay diligent & up to date with peer-reviewed scientific studies & health guidelines as they are released. We will continue to update our operations & this page as new information becomes available so we can continue to provide a safe reuse service to our partner vendors & subscribers.