BEAT’s Lending Library helps reduce waste by making it easy for anyone to borrow reusable dishes and serving supplies instead of purchasing disposable products. Together we can cut down on single-use waste, save money, and make community gatherings more sustainable.
Our collection includes reusable plates, bowls, cups, mugs, utensils, serving platters, beverage dispensers, coffee airpots, and other items that can support events of many sizes. Whether you’re organizing a meeting, workshop, or celebration, BEAT’s Lending Library offers practical alternatives to disposable tableware.
The program reflects BEAT’s commitment to waste reduction and community stewardship. Every borrowed item helps keep unnecessary waste out of landfills and demonstrates how simple changes can have a meaningful impact.
How Borrowing Works
- Browse the available items
- Let us know about your event at least 2 weeks before the event date. Contact BEAT to check availability: Email [email protected] , or call us between 10 AM–3 PM Monday–Thursday: (413) 464-9402.
- Pick up the materials from BEAT at 20 Chapel St. in Pittsfield.
- Return all items by the agreed-upon date. You don’t have to clean them, but we appreciate it if you remove all food from the dishes and utensils.
- Our suggested donation for this service is $25 for individuals and $100 for organizations
What’s Available to Borrow
- 100 stainless steel plates
- 8 oz stainless steel cups
- 50 assorted bowls
- 100 ceramic plates
- 100 sets of utensils
- 100 mugs
- Glassware
- Coffee airpots
- Drink dispensers
- Serving platters and serving utensils
- Additional items available upon request
Why Reuse?
Replacing disposable plates, cups, and utensils with reusable alternatives reduces landfill waste and conserves resources. The EPA estimates that Americans generate roughly 2.4 million tons of disposable paper and plastic plates, cups, bowls, and other food-service products each year, and very little of this material is recycled.