Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I use the refill station?

A: Bring a container from home, stop at the front desk with an employee and get a tare weight of each container, fill from the buckets, growlers, jars, etc. and don't be afraid to ask for help! Once you have the amount you desire in the container, bring them back up to the front desk to get a final weight. Our staff members will ring up each item, do the math, ask if you have a rewards account, and send you on your merry way!

Oops, I forgot my container! What should I do?

A: We have a small free container shelf that is typically filled with donated containers from our community. These containers are sprayed with Isopropyl Alcohol to sanitize and pre-weighed but sometimes containers sneak by us without these steps. We also have containers for purchase.

Q: What is available for refill?

A: We have over 60 available products for refill! View refillable products here.

Q: Can I donate containers to the free shelf?

A: Very possible! Unfortunately we are limited on storage space within each of our locations. We also do not have direct access to a recycling bin! So we are truly embodying reducing, reusing, and repurposing anything that comes into the shop. It's best to give us a call before heading in to be sure we can accept your containers as well as follow these guidelines:

1. Containers must be CLEAN and DRY including removing labels and sticky residue. If the container has any lingering scents, we will not be able to accept.
2. We prefer containers that are around 20 oz or less. However, these larger containers are AMAZING at being repurposed. Bulk containers (ie. large coffee canisters, large laundry jugs, etc.) typically sit on the shelves the longest. Many of our products are concentrated therefore a large amount is not desired.
3. Limit of 5 containers donated per customer per visit.
4. There is sufficient room on the shelves.
5. BYOC Co staff reserve the opportunity to refuse containers if they do not follow these parameters. You must take them with you if we cannot accept them.

Q: Where do the bulk plastic containers go when they are empty?

A: Since we are not 100% closed loop, the answer to this question is–it depends. Anything that comes in a 30 gallon or 55 gallon drum can be cleaned and refilled over and over again. For 5 gallon and 1 gallon containers that we cannot return, we collect them for a bit until we can offer a bunch up to the community for reuse. This is so folks who were anticipating buying buckets for park clean ups, composting, or home projects, can reuse our buckets rather than purchase new ones.

Q: How do I place an order online to pick up at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market or Gateway Farm Hub?

Browse products as usual and select your preferred container type: Use community containers | Swap personal containers | Purchase new container. Use the “Quantity” dropdown to indicate how many ounces you’d like. Example: For 8 oz of hand soap, select “8” Then, Select a Pickup Location at Checkout. Choose your location under “Pick up in store”: