FAQ – Repurpose

We are a mom-founded business with a mission to make the Earth a better place, now and for the future. Welcome to a world where sustainable choices naturally fit into modern life. Sustainability is all we do. It’s who we are and who we’ve always been. Since 2010, we’ve made the best plant-based, non-toxic alternatives for the single-use products that are eco-living made easy.

Innovation is constant for us. Since the inception of discovering renewable materials, we’ve always been committed to identifying and utilizing the newest green technologies to create the very best products possible at affordable prices.

As we expand our product line, we've made it a priority to incorporate the ever-changing needs of the consumer while balancing that with the needs of the planet. We also realize that this not only extends to our products, but also our shipping methods. We have taken steps to minimize both the shipping and packaging of our products to and from your home. Our shipping is plastic-free, in cardboard and paper.

Our certifications come from industry leading third-party organizations that put our products through rigorous testing to ensure they meet all standards that we claim they do. The certifications that our products can hold include, BPI, TUV OK Compost Home, TUV OK Compost Industrial, USDA Biopreferred Program, and CMA Certified Compostable.

Our products have a lower carbon footprint than those of comparable, non-compostable products. Renewable materials like corn, wood pulp, and sugarcane that would usually be treated as leftover waste are instead upcycled to create our compostable products. These materials are processed with methods that release fewer greenhouse gasses and toxic chemicals into the environment than conventional plastic and paper.

Furthermore, our products, once composted, can be used to help fertilize crops for future plants, creating a closed-loop sustainability system. In fact, our PLA-based products emit 80% less CO2 into the atmosphere, require up to 60% less water to manufacture, and use 52% less energy to produce than plastics (our compostable plates use 66% less energy to produce than paper plates!).

All in all, composted products help grow the plant-based materials we will use to make our future products – this is what is called a circular economy.

Free Standard Ground Shipping On Orders $50+

Repurpose.com offers Free Standard Ground shipping when you spend $50+ to an address within the United States. That excludes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, The U.S. Virgin Islands and all other orders shipping outside of the United States. This offer is valid on Repurpose.com only. Offer cannot be applied to Gift Cards or prior purchases. Minimum purchase required; Tax, Shipping & Handling, and/or duties do not qualify toward the minimum purchase. Other restrictions may apply.

Subscribe & Save

Save 15% off + Free Shipping when you subscribe to eligible products in 1,2,3, or 4 month frequencies. Bundles not included.

Buy More, Save More

Repurpose offers you to purchase your favorite products in packs of 2's and 3's, while saving up to 20% off. Bundles not included.

Refer a Friend

Through our referral program, you can unlock exclusive rewards by inviting friends and family to purchase on Repurpose.com.

Spread the word by gifting $10 off their first order of $50+. Upon their purchase, you’ll receive $10 credit.

For any questions, please reach out to help@repurpose.com.

Newsletter Sign up offer

Repurpose.com offers 15% off when you sign up for both Email and SMS. This offer is valid on your first purchase on Repurpose.com only. Offer cannot be applied to Gift Cards, subscriptions, or prior purchases. Other restrictions may apply.

By signing up for our Newsletter, you agree to receive marketing text messages from us at the number provided, including messages sent by autodialer. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

For more details on our Promotions & Cash-Back Program, visit our Promotion Terms page here.

Once you sign up for our referral program, you can earn exclusive rewards by inviting your friends to shop on Repurpose.com.

Gift your referred friends $10 off their first purchase of $50+. If they make a purchase, you'll be rewarded with $10 credit.

Our compostable products are crafted using plant-based materials like upcycled fibers and biopolymers, rigorously tested to ensure durability, functionality, and sustainability.

Want a deeper dive into our bin of materials? Learn more.

PLA is a plant-based bioplastic. We’ve done the work to make sure our raw materials are sustainably sourced down to the tiniest detail.

We take carbon and other organic elements primarily from corn grown in the USA and extract them into polylactic acid (PLA) resin. Other plants like sugarcane, beets, and cassava can also be used. Once in resin form, PLA is perfect for being molded into durable and flexible products like our compostable cups and utensils.

Molded fiber is a material made from the cellulose fibers of wood pulp and sugarcane.

To make our products, these fibers are transformed into a slurry mixture then molded into our signature plates using the highest quality equipment and manufacturing techniques.

PHA, or Polyhydroxyalkanoates, is a biodegradable bioplastic, and alternative to petroleum-based plastic, made from canola seed oil. Our PHA products are made in the USA and hold both BPI and TUV Home and Industrial certifications.

We work to ensure that common allergens like wheat and soy are not included in our products. By relying on plants like corn, sugarcane, wood scrap, and eucalyptus, we aim to provide an allergy-free solution. We are currently pursuing testing and certifications to have a third party guarantee that our products are gluten, soy, and allergen free!

Our compostable products are safe for you and better for the planet, which in our minds, is the ultimate safety consideration. They are free from BPA, BPS, Phthalate, PVC, Chlorine, and other common hormone disrupting chemicals that are very common elsewhere. Learn more about these acronyms on our blog.

We're proud to be the first tableware brand to address, eliminate, and replace PFAS in our products. Learn more about the effects of PFAS on this article.

We are not taking any food-grade sweet corn out of the food supply. Our corn-based materials are made from non-food-grade corn grown specifically for plant-based plastic replacements and biofuels.

The stream of corn used to make PLA products is a combination of GMO and non-GMO corn. While we do not control this stream, we are aware of concerns surrounding GMO products and are always working to identify opportunities to minimize the amount of GMO materials in our products and work with our upstream suppliers to minimize agricultural impacts of bioplastics.

Our products are designed in Los Angeles, CA.

Our products are currently manufactured in the United States and overseas in China and Taiwan. We are currently formulating a cost-effective strategy to shift manufacturing to the US.

Our compostable plates are microwave-safe and will not leach any toxic chemicals with temperature changes. However, due to the nature of these natural, renewable materials, please be mindful of using excessive high heat settings. For best results, we recommend microwaving your foods and beverages in other microwave-safe containers and transferring to our compostable products after heating.

Since our products are made from natural materials and certified compostable, they will break down faster in hot and humid environments. Specifically for our PLA products, our recommended shelf-life is one year.

Our bags are made from natural materials and certified home compostable. Our recommended shelf-life is one year. For optimal performance keep your stock stored in a cool & dry place, change out your bag every 3-4 days, and avoid wet materials.

Our certified compostable products are non-toxic and made from plants, enabling them to break down completely in a commercial composting facility within 3-6 months and in a home composter within 12 months when certified as home compostable.

In addition, through our partnership with Lomi®, Repurpose® Lomi® Approved products (plates, hot & cold cups, cutlery, straws, and waste bags) will decompose in a matter of days. By composting Repurpose® products, you help contribute to creating nutrient-dense soil that helps future plants, and a circular economy, flourish.

Our compostable products are compostable in commercial composting facilities as well as in home composting environments, when labeled as ‘home compostable’. They are ASTM D6400 and D6868 Certified ensuring that they break down into natural elements so that they are not visually distinguishable within 90 days and leave no toxic residue behind. However, the majority of our products are also Lomi® approved and will break down in the Lomi® within a matter of days.

Most people think these words are interchangeable, but there’s an important distinction to be made.

Biodegradable simply means that disintegration will occur, without specifying an amount of time or what the end material may be. Technically, any material is biodegradable overtime and depends on the environment. Companies often use the term “biodegradable” to mislead consumers. It is illegal in the state of California to label a product as biodegradable without being substantiated by third-party testing.

Compostable materials must degrade at a certain rate and in a certain timeline into a nutrient-rich substance to be qualified. We consider “compostable” to be a legitimate way to measure and represent a product’s end-of-life impact on the environment.

Our compostable products are certified as compostable, not just biodegradable.

We focus on packaging that is made from highly recyclable materials. Compostable products are designed for products that come in contact with food, such as our products themselves, but since our packaging will not be contaminated by food, recycling is a much more appropriate end-of-life option for our packaging.

We are committed to continuing our work innovating cost-effective compostable packaging that’s up to our performance standards. We hope to make all our packaging compostable soon.

Our compostable PHA straws and waste bags are home compostable and achieve degradation within 12 months at an ambient temperature. Other products in our tableware are on track to be certified home compostable as well. In addition, through our partnership with Lomi®, Repurpose® Lomi® Approved products will decompose in a matter of days at home.

Contact your local waste management service to see if your city has a curbside composting program. Find more information on how to properly compost our products at the following links.

Industrial composting sites across the nation:

https://compostingcouncil.org/participants/

Independent businesses that specialize in compost pick-up:

https://compostnow.org/compost-services/

Find a composter near you: https://findacomposter.com/

When it is time to dispose of your product, we recommend they be sent to a commercial composting facility where curbside collection is available due to optimized breakdown conditions not typically found in one's home compost bin. If curbside collection is not available, we recommend home composting and use of the Lomi®.

Food-soiled items cannot be recycled, and that's why our products are best suited for composting.

However, our Compostable Hot & Cold Cups are an answer to the current challenge of plastic-lined paper cups, which are difficult to recycle and oftentimes are not.

We currently use newly invented materials and formulations for the coating and also new manufacturing technology to apply our plastic-free, water-based coating onto the paper stock. With its plastic-free nature, it can be composted within 12 weeks in an industrial compostable facility and 26 weeks in home composting.

We understand that our products may end up in a landfill if composting facilities aren’t accessible. This is why we are committed to our sustainable solution of encouraging the use of compostable tableware. Our compostable alternatives mitigate the harmful impacts of traditional waste disposal, helping avoid methane emission from being released into the air.

Even if our products end up in a landfill, there are upstream benefits associated with our products which are made from renewable plant-based sources compared to virgin fossil-fuel derived plastics. Our products are totally non-toxic and leave no toxic residues.

Repurpose® offers free standard ground shipping when you spend $50+ to an address within the continental United States. Please allow 5-7 business days for transit time. This offer excludes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and The U.S. Virgin Islands.

Offer is valid on Repurpose.com only. Offer is not valid on previous purchases. Minimum purchase required; Tax, Shipping & Handling, and/or duties do not qualify toward the minimum purchase. Other restrictions may apply.

Orders that do not meet the $50 minimum can choose between the following shipping / order processing options.

Colorado Residents - As of July 1, 2022 there will be a delivery fee of $0.27 automatically added to purchases. Retailers will have to collect the $0.27 fee every time they deliver taxable goods to a Colorado address. The $0.27 fee applies to retailers selling taxable tangible goods for delivery by motor vehicle to Colorado consumers.

Standard Ground (5-7 Business Days)

US Continental: $10

Alaska & Hawaii: $50

STANDARD GROUND orders adhere to our normal processing times, which can be up to 2 business days. Once the order ships, STANDARD transit time is between 5-7 business days.

2-Day (2 Business Days)

US Continental: $30.00+ fees are dynamically calculated at checkout based on your zip code

2-Day shipping ensures your orders are prioritized for same-day shipping (as long as the order is received before 12 PM CST). Depending on your delivery destination, the shipping method may vary, but once the order ships, transit time is 2 business days.

Orders shipping to Hawaii and Alaska are subject to increased shipping costs. You’ll be able to review these costs during checkout before you complete your order.

Subscription Shipping:

Free Subscription Shipping is STANDARD GROUND to an address within the continental United States. Please allow 5-7 business days for transit time. This offer excludes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and The U.S. Virgin Islands.

All orders are packed with care and shipped from our Omaha, NE facility. If an order is placed before 12 PM CST, we aim to ship the same day, however please allow up to 2 business days to process your order.

Orders placed on weekends and holidays will begin processing the following business day.

Once your order has shipped, you’ll receive an email confirmation with tracking information. Please note that carriers may experience delays during the transit of your order. Please refer to your tracking for updated delivery information. We cannot be responsible for delays that happen once your package ships.

Your order will ship via USPS Priority Mail, which should arrive within 5-7 business days.

Standard Ground Shipping - 5-7 Business Days:
Please allow 1-2 business days for processing once your order is placed. Orders placed after 12 PM CST will be processed as if received the next business day.

2-Day Shipping - 2 Business Days:
Please allow 1-2 business days for processing once your order is placed. Orders placed after 12 PM CST will be processed as if received the next business day.

At the moment, we are only shipping within the United States, but we’re working to expand to international destinations in the future!

To support our mission of a sustainable future, we are continuously exploring ways for our products to get to your home, plastic-free. When possible, we package your order using gently used or recycled boxes and paper filler to ensure your package arrives at your door, ready to use!

In line with our commitment to sustainability, we’re reusing boxes whenever we can. It’s just one of the small ways we reduce waste and make the most of our materials—without compromising the care that goes into your order.

Thanks for helping us tread a little lighter on the planet!

What is Route?

Route is a green package protection ensuring 100% carbon neutral shipping.

With every Route purchase, a portion of the fee contributes to taking climate action by funding reforestation efforts and certified carbon offset projects. Additionally, Route offers delivery tracking, keeping you informed with visual map tracking at every stage of the process.

How does Route work?

When Route is selected at checkout, a dynamic fee is charged based on your cart value subtotal (before tax + shipping) to safeguard your package from loss, theft, or damage in transit.

Route is only valid on orders placed on Repurpose.com up to $5,000 USD. Orders below $100 USD will be subject to a $1.55 fee, while those exceeding $100 USD will incur a charge of 2.5% based on the total cart value. Repurpose® is exempt of liability if the customer opts out of using Route.

To remove this shipping protection, uncheck Route during checkout. Reorder requests may be rejected at the discretion of the Repurpose®. For more terms & conditions click here.

How do I find my Route order number?

Your Route order number is located within your Route order confirmation email. This number will be needed in the event you report any issue.

How do I file a claim with Route?

If you've opted for Route protection with your purchase and encounter damage, loss, or theft of your package, follow the steps outlined below.

To contact support, file a claim, or view your claim status, please click here and choose the appropriate option under the Quick Links section.

What are Route’s package protection policies?

For further information regarding Route’s package protection policies across lost, stolen, and damaged items, please click here.

How can I get a refund with Route?

Adding Route packaging protection to your order is final sale. No exchanges or refunds are permitted.

If your order claim is approved, Route will reimburse the cost of the item(s) alone. Shipping costs, taxes, and the Route premium are not included.

How can I track my deliveries with Route?

Route deliveries can be tracked via the Route web and mobile app. For further information regarding viewing your delivery details in real time, please click here.

You can also monitor your shipment with your Repurpose tracking number sent to your email address.

We want you to love our products! If you’re not completely satisfied for any reason, we’re happy to accept returns within 30 days from the delivery date for a full or partial refund, minus any return shipping costs.

Please return your product in its original, unopened and undamaged packaging. If the packaging has been opened, a 30% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund total.

Gift Cards are not eligible for returns.

Reship.Replace.Repurpose. is final sale.

We are not issuing exchanges at this time.

It can take up to one billing cycle for the funds to appear back in your account, on rare occasions up to 3-4 weeks. The timing can vary depending on the payment method used. We recommend reaching out to your issuing bank directly with any questions.

If you receive a damaged item, please share your order details on our Contact Form and we will help you resolve the problem right away. We want you to love your Repurpose® products.

We stand by the quality of our products. Should something happen during normal use please reach out via our Contact Form so we can make this right for you!

To reduce your carbon footprint and for a quick return process, we recommend returning your goods to your original place of purchase. However, if you are unsatisfied with our products, please reach out to us on our Contact Form.

We get it, it happens! If you need to make an update to your order just reach out on our Contact Form as soon as possible and we will do our best to get it straightened out for you.

Because we aim to ship orders the same day, we may not be able to cancel or modify an order.

If you would like to request a return once your order arrives, please also reach out to us on our Contact Form.

We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.

If you have a Repurpose account, you can manage your subscription by logging in here; please enter the email address used at time of subscription purchase. Once logged in, click “Manage Your Subscriptions”.

There you can manage your subscription frequency, view your upcoming orders, and more.

If you don’t have a Repurpose account, that’s okay! You can still manage your subscription here using the email address used to place your order. You will be asked to verify your email address, but this will not require a password to access your subscription portal.

When you purchase a subscription you'll receive repeat deliveries. These are based on the subscription duration and frequency that you select. You can see your upcoming cycles on your subscription portal.

Life’s unpredictable, and we get that. If you find yourself with more than you need, simply skip a delivery. Log into your Repurpose account, select the subscription you want to manage, and choose the ‘Skip Next Order’ option to skip the next delivery cycle.

Want to try something new? No problem! In your Repurpose account, you can easily swap products within your subscription by selecting ‘Swap Product’. Explore our range, find the products you’d like to switch to, and update your preferences with just a few clicks.

Life happens, and sometimes you'll need your goods on a different day. You can adjust your delivery date to suit your schedule. Simply log in to your Repurpose account, select your subscription, and update your delivery date to one that works best for you.

Changing your order frequency will not change your next upcoming order. If you want to change your frequency and have the next upcoming order changed, please edit your delivery date in the portal.

To cancel your subscription, visit your account portal and select ‘Cancel’.

We'll keep you informed every step of the way. You'll receive notifications and reminders before each shipment, so you're always in control.

Keep your payment and shipping information up to date. Log in to your Repurpose account portal and head to ‘Billing & Shipping’ to apply any changes.

You can send us a note on our Contact Form and we’ll do our best to respond as quickly as possible!

At this time, we aren't processing wholesale and bulk orders locally or nationally.

However, you're welcome to order from natural food distributors Frontier, KeHe, and UNFI. They carry our whole line nationally and is where our food service business is currently done. We're happy to have our Sales team help connect you with these distributors in your area. Please leave us a note at wholesale@repurpose.com.