Plastic Free America, which until recently went by Plastic Free Restaurants, does one thing: it pays restaurants, schools and other kitchens to replace single-use plastic with reusables. It is a volunteer-run charity, a 501(c)(3), and the money is a grant rather than a loan or a discount tied to a supplier.
How the subsidy works
- A restaurant or other for-profit kitchen can be reimbursed for the full cost of plastic-free reusables: metal cutlery, glass or ceramic cups and plates, stainless or glass containers.
- Reusables that contain virgin plastic are reimbursed at 25%, capped at $1 per item.
- The subsidy covers up to three locations of a chain.
- You apply with three months of invoices showing what you were buying in disposables, so the organisation can see what the reusables replace.
- It is not available where a local law already requires the switch, since the aim is to move kitchens that are not yet obliged to.
As of 23 September 2026 the organisation reported 92 restaurants, 117 schools and 20 other kitchens funded across 19 states, and 19.1 million single-use items eliminated.
Who it suits
A café or counter-service restaurant with dine-in seating that still uses disposable cups and cutlery is the typical case. The subsidy removes the only real obstacle, which is the up-front cost. The case for the switch itself is on the page in this section on why reusables pay for themselves.
How to apply
Start at the subsidy page linked below. The application asks for the invoices, the items you intend to buy and the number of locations. Because the organisation is volunteer-run, allow some time for a reply.