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How Just Salad is reducing waste

February 6, 2020

Just Salad released its first sustainability report Thursday, saying that it has diverted 75,000 pounds of single-use plastic from landfills through its reusable bowl program.

The bowl program launched in 2006 and allows guests to purchase a reusable bowl for $1 and receive a free topping with each reuse. The company saw 133% year-over-year growth in reusable bowl usage, demonstrating not only the consumer's willingness to participate, but the chain's commitment to reducing waste, according to a company press release.

"Our goal is to lead a paradigm shift in the fast casual industry," Sandra Noonan, chief sustainability officer, said in the release. "It's all about giving our guests convenient ways to not only eat healthy but reduce their environmental impact. At Just Salad, we believe changes in the restaurant industry will create waves of improvement worldwide.”

Just Salad also established a Green Standard Initiative, a set of waste reduction commitments that will help it attain its goal of sending zero waste to landfill by 2022.

Initiatives include replacing single-use plastic salad bowls with compostable fiber bowls; replacing grass-fed steak with Beyond Beef meatballs; and implementing bag-less pickup and checkout at the majority of locations.

Most recently, Just Salad tested sustainably sourced compostable wooden forks for delivery and catering customers, and is in the process of implementing a 360-degree organic composting program by separating food waste in its kitchens and serving areas.  In 2019, Just Salad reduced landfill-bound kitchen waste by 77% through its food waste separation program, according to 

The company has a number of initiatives in the pipeline, including:

• Expanding its food waste separation program to front of house.
• Launching a Sustainability Champions program.
• Testing compostable wooden forks as an alternative to bioplastics, which are not composted at the majority of composting facilities.
• Launching a Bring Your Own Cup program

Just Salad's goal is to divert 100,000 pounds of single-use plastic from landfills annually, and is committed to using reusable options wherever possible, favoring disposable packing that is recyclable or compostable, as well as developing a 360-degree compostable program at all NYC locations.

"Sustainability is not just a trend; it's imperative that we find ways as an industry to reduce our footprint and to become a part of the solution in reducing our environmental impact," Nick Kenner, founder and CEO, said in the release. "We look forward to sharing more on our initiatives in the years to come."

Just Salad is based in New York City and has nearly 50 locations in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Dubai.