Studentenwerk Dresden

Yes, the test phase with the reusable dishes ran in the Old Refectory from October 2021 to January 2022. The company Relevo, which offers a deposit-free reusable solution, provides the dishes.

From February 2022, the reusable dishes will now be available in further canteens, such as Mensologie, Mensa Reichenbachstraße, Mensa WUeins, Mensa Brühl, Mensa Stimm-Gabel and Mensa Tharandt. At the start of the summer semester, the Mensa Johannstadt will follow, as will the Mensa Kraatschn in Zittau and MiO in Görlitz.

Studentenwerk Dresden wants to set an example for more sustainability on campus: It is important to us to make a contribution to avoiding mountains of waste from disposable packaging in the future.

How does the Relevo system work?

Using the reusable to-go system is very simple: You first download the Relevo app to your smartphone and create an user account in the app. It's best to do this before you go to the canteen. The links to download the app can be found on the website:

Alternatively, you can simply search for "Relevo" in the appropriate app store.

If you indicate at the canteen counter that you would like to take your food to go, you will receive it in a Relevo reusable package. Using the app, you scan the QR code on the dishes and then show your smartphone with the scan confirmation at the cash desk when you pay. Then you can take the dishes home, to your dorm or office.

Please note that Relevo dishes are clean if you can not return them the same day. Relevo reusable dishes are made of plastic and are also suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher. It can also be reheated in the microwave, but please make sure to remove the lid first. Reheating in the oven, however, is not possible, the Relevo dishes are not suitable for this.

You have up to 14 days to bring the dishes back to the canteen or to another provider of this rental system. There are three Relevo packaging return stations in the canteen Alte Mensa, each at the two dish return stations and one in the cafeteria. At the stations, you will again find a QR code that you must scan with the app to complete the return. If you return the dishes within the deadline, there is no cost to you. Only if you exceed the return period of 14 days will you be charged a fee of 10€ per dish.

By the way, if you don't have a smartphone or don't want to use Relevo's system, you can simply have the food given to you on a plate and then transfer it yourself into your own containers or boxes that you bring with you. The most important thing for us is to avoid throwaway dishes in the future!