Reuse Vs. Refuse

(Our local [Fast Food Chicken Places] have stopped providing plastic caps and straws for drinks in an effort to reduce plastic use, but I’ve never needed them, anyway. I am in a different fast food restaurant, and am about to take two plates’ worth of chilli sauce from the self-serving dispenser, when one employee is in the way, presumably moving around cleaning tables.)

Me: “Excuse me.”

(The employee decides to go the extra mile and help me take two plates of chilli sauce and bring it to my table nearby.)

Me: “Thanks.”

Employee: “If you need more, just take new plates. Don’t reuse.”

Me: “Is there a reason for that?”

Employee: “They’re very cheap. No need to bother!”

Me: “…”

(I ignored him and reused them, anyway, when I ran out of sauce.)