How are reusable cups washed? Everything you need to know
How are reusable cups washed? Everything you need to know Washing is the driving force behind reuse. Every time a reusable cup is professionally cleaned, we save resources, reduce waste, and extend the product’s lifespan. The washing process isn’t just necessary, it makes reuse possible. At Rubbish Reusables, we take this process extremely seriously, with care, precision, and a healthy dose of passion for sustainability. In this blog, we explain how our washing system works, how we organise transport and logistics, and how we ensure a constant flow of clean cups, even during large-scale events. When and how are reusable cups washed? After use, all cups are professionally cleaned in our specialised washing facilities. This guarantees absolute hygiene, but also ensures that the cups last longer and can be used again and again. As a customer, you don’t have to worry about a thing, we take care of the entire process.Here’s how it works: Cups are collected after use in sealable crates or containers. They are picked up and transported to a professional washing facility. In industrial dishwashers, the cups are thoroughly washed, disinfected and dried. We then store them hygienically or deliver them again for their next use. Thanks to this streamlined approach, our cups are always clean, safe, and ready for the next round. On-site rinsing at city-wide events At events where cups need to be reused quickly, such as city festivals, concerts, or sporting events, we also offer flexible solutions for on-site rinsing. Two commonly used options: Rinsing by hospitality partners: For short-term reuse on the same day, hospitality operators can rinse the cups themselves, for example using a rinsing sink or dishwasher behind the bar. Mobile rinse units: For larger events, we can deploy mobile rinse stations. This allows cups to be cleaned and ready for use again within minutes, without needing to return to the central washing facility. This makes it possible to safely and efficiently reuse large volumes of cups, even during peak times. Professional cleaning is always part of the system At Rubbish Reusables, washing isn’t an optional service, it’s an essential part of our product. We believe professional cleaning is the key to a reliable and sustainable reusable cup system. It ensures consistency, prevents loss of quality, and meets the strictest hygiene standards. There’s no need, or reason, to wash the cups yourself. By leaving the process to us, organisers and businesses can count on convenience, quality, and smooth operations. Conclusion Reusable cups are not only an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use items, they are a smart, future-proof choice. But reuse only works when every part of the system is right. At Rubbish Reusables, we provide that foundation: professional cleaning, reliable logistics, and smooth redeployment. Together, we’re building a circular system, hassle-free, waste-free, and always with a clean start
Festival cups and deposits: how does it actually work?
Festival cups and deposits: How does it actually work? At festivals these days, it’s become the norm: your drink comes in a sturdy, reusable cup. This almost always involves some form of deposit. But exactly how that works varies from one event to another. Sometimes you hand in a token, other times you pay an extra euro and only get part of it back. This often leads to confusion among visitors. Why are there so many different systems? And which approach works best? The Token System A commonly used method is that you receive a token upon entry. You hand this in when getting your first drink, allowing you to receive a cup at no extra charge. For each new drink, you exchange your empty cup for a clean one. If you lose your cup, you pay a deposit for a new one. This system lowers the threshold for that first drink and is relatively simple. However, the downside is that unused tokens can lead to unnecessary plastic use. On top of that, the tokens are small and easily lost in nature or end up in general waste at home. Deposit with (Partial) or Full Refund With this system, you pay an additional fee usually around one euro when ordering your drink, as a deposit for the cup. If you return the cup at a designated return point, you get that amount (or part of it) back. In some cases, it’s fifty cents, but more and more festivals are opting to refund the full deposit. A full refund is very transparent and strongly encourages people to return their cups. However, this system requires good organisation, plenty of return points, and clear instructions about where, when and how to get your money back. Cup Fee Without Refund Some events charge a fixed, one off fee for your cup, say, one euro without any refund. This means there’s no deposit or return incentive. The main advantage is simplicity: no extra steps or return stations are required. The downside is that the incentive to return the cup is much lower, which can reduce both reuse and collection. Clear explanation and motivation remain essential here. Digital Deposits The modern version of the physical token: digital deposits. This can be integrated into a festival wristband or app. The deposit is automatically added to your digital profile at checkout. When you later return the cup, your balance is adjusted. This approach fits well with fully cashless festivals. It offers convenience, although it can sometimes be less visible for visitors how the deposit is processed or refunded. Donating Your Deposit A unique variation allows visitors to donate their deposit. You return your cup to a special bin, and the associated value is donated to a charity. This links sustainability with social impact. The approach is often well received especially when it’s clear where the donation is going. That’s why clear communication about the cause and the total amount raised is crucial. What Works Best? There’s no single ‘best’ system. What works well for a small, local festival might not be suitable for a large dance event with thousands of attendees. What’s always important, though, is simplicity and clarity. The better visitors understand how the system works, the more likely they are to return their cups and support the system as intended. At Rubbish Reusables, we believe that smart, practical solutions contribute to a more sustainable festival experience. Whether it’s tokens, digital deposits or an exchange system if it encourages reuse and is clearly explained, the impact is immediately visible. Every returned cup counts.
The Difference Between Hardcups and Softcups
The Difference Between Hardcups and Softcups At Rubbish Reusables, we stand for sustainability and reusable solutions that help businesses operate more efficiently. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is about the difference between hardcups and softcups. Both options have their own advantages and areas of application. In this blog, we explain what these differences are and how they are used. What Are Hardcups? Hardcups are reusable cups made from durable materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene or stainless steel. They are designed for long-term use and can be washed many times without significant wear. Thanks to their sturdiness, they are less likely to break and help keep drinks hot or cold for longer. Events and hospitality venues often use hardcups within deposit systems to reduce waste. Visitors pay a deposit and can return the cup later.Although hardcups are generally more sustainable, they also come with drawbacks. They require more storage space, have a higher initial cost, and must be managed effectively from a logistical standpoint to remain efficient. What Are Softcups? Softcups are disposable cups typically made from lightweight plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP). They are light, flexible, and easy to stack, which makes storage and transport more efficient. Softcups are mainly used as single-use cups at events, festivals, and hospitality venues where speed and convenience are key. Although softcups are cheaper to purchase than hardcups, they also have disadvantages. They wear out quickly, cannot or can hardly be reused, and generate a lot of waste. As a result, they are becoming less attractive in a time when sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives are becoming the norm. The European SUP legislation has a major impact here, as softcups are considered single-use plastics and fall under stricter regulations. The Impact of the SUP Legislation The European Single-Use Plastics (SUP) legislation, introduced in 2021, has a significant influence on the choice between hardcups and softcups. The aim of the law is to reduce plastic waste by restricting single-use plastics, such as softcups. Businesses are encouraged to switch to reusable alternatives like hardcups, which meet the SUP guidelines for long-term use. Softcups fall under stricter rules and may even be banned or subject to additional charges in some regions. The legislation also promotes the use of deposit systems, which are well-suited to hardcups. This not only helps companies comply with the law but also supports a circular economy, in which cups are reused multiple times rather than thrown away. How Many Uses Does a Reusable Cup Need to Be More Environmentally Friendly Than a Disposable One? The exact tipping point at which a hardcup becomes more environmentally friendly than a softcup depends on several factors. Consider how often the cup is used before being washed, how and where it is cleaned, and whether it is recycled or incinerated at the end of its life. It also matters whether cups are rinsed in between uses or professionally cleaned after every use. The actual environmental benefit therefore strongly depends on usage and logistical processes. To give an indication of the emissions, you’ll find below a table with CO₂ emission figures sourced from DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). At Rubbish Reusables, we offer high-quality and sustainable solutions tailored to diverse business needs. Would you like to learn more about our reusable cups and how they can help your business become more sustainable? Please get in touch with us and explore the possibilities! Om toch een indicatie te geven van de uitstoot, vind je hieronder een tabel met CO₂-uitstootcijfers afkomstig van DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). Bij Rubbish Reusables bieden we hoogwaardige en duurzame oplossingen die passen bij diverse bedrijfsbehoeften. Wil je meer weten over onze herbruikbare bekers en hoe ze jouw bedrijf kunnen helpen verduurzamen? Neem dan contact met ons op en ontdek de mogelijkheden!
New Motion on Plastic Levy: Opportunity or Step Backwards?
New Motion on Plastic Levy: Opportunity or Step Backwards? On 6 March 2025, the Dutch House of Representatives adopted a striking motion aiming to reverse the plan to introduce a €0.25 levy on disposable cups and containers as of 1 January 2026. This planned levy was part of broader measures to tackle plastic pollution, but faced strong criticism. The motion states that the measure places a disproportionate burden on consumers, while having only a limited effect on the amount of litter. As a result, the responsibility now clearly lies with producers and policymakers to come up with more effective and realistic alternatives. But where do the opportunities lie for a circular, reusable future? Understanding the Motion At the core of the adopted motion is a fundamental critique of symptom management. Rather than imposing a financial incentive on the end user, as the levy intended, the motion advocates for structural changes in production and consumption. It points to the lack of food-safe alternatives that are entirely plastic-free, something that indeed complicated the practical implementation of the levy.Public support among citizens and businesses also plays a role. Especially in times of inflation and economic pressure, an additional cost is unwelcome to many, even when aimed at promoting sustainability. Reusable Solutions as a Structural Answer The potential repeal of the levy creates space for innovation. Reusable cups and packaging are no longer niche solutions. They offer a tangible and scalable response to the plastic issue and also contribute to awareness among both consumers and organisers. Companies, such as Rubbish Reusables, are supporting this development by offering more than just reusable cups. Think full logistical support from collection to cleaning and the provision of a data platform that offers insights into CO₂ emissions. From Legislation to Movement The rejection of the levy need not be a step backwards. On the contrary, it opens the door for entrepreneurs, organisers, and suppliers to take initiative and invest in sustainable alternatives. Without waiting for regulation, they can already transition to circular systems that truly make a difference. The movement towards a waste-free society requires vision, collaboration, and practical solutions. The opportunities are there. Now is the time to seize them.
How RFID technology supports sustainable events
How RFID technology supports sustainable events Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important theme in the events and theatre world. Visitors not only expect a great experience, but also that organisers take responsibility for their environmental footprint. An innovative solution that’s being adopted more and more? Reusable cups with RFID technology. This system not only helps reduce waste but also allows for more efficient and customer-friendly management of reusable cups. What is RFID and how does it work? RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) uses radio waves to wirelessly exchange information between an RFID tag and a reader. In the case of reusable cups, a small chip is embedded in each cup, containing unique information such as a serial number or a linked deposit system. As soon as a visitor receives or returns a cup, the action is automatically registered. This system opens the door to smart applications that not only optimise cup management but also enhance the visitor experience. The benefits of RFID for reusable cups 1. Efficient management With RFID, organisers can track in real time how many cups are being issued and returned. This enables more efficient stock management. Organisers can easily see where cups are located and anticipate shortages in a timely manner. 2. Fast and smooth deposit systems No one likes long queues. Thanks to RFID, visitors can easily return their cup and automatically receive their deposit back—without the hassle. This is because the cup is linked to their payment account. It speeds up service at the bar and makes cup reuse more appealing for visitors. 3. Better data and usage insights RFID gives organisers insight into the usage patterns of reusable cups. How many cups stay in circulation? At what times are they most often returned? This data helps optimise logistics and can support strategic decision-making. 4. More sustainable and cost-effective By managing reusable cups smartly, waste is reduced and organisers can save on procurement and waste processing costs in the long term. Moreover, a sustainable reuse policy contributes to a greener image and can help meet environmental goals. RFID in practice: successful applications More and more festivals, theatres, and sports stadiums are using RFID-based deposit systems. In several European stadiums, for example, reusable cups are linked to visitors’ RFID payment systems, allowing deposits to be refunded directly to their account. This lowers the threshold for returning cups and contributes to a circular system. Rubbish Reusables: the solution for theatres and events At Rubbish Reusables, we help theatres and events transition to a smart, sustainable cup system using RFID technology. From implementation to ongoing management, we guide you every step of the way. Curious how this could work for your venue? Get in touch and discover the future of reusable cups!
Innovation and sustainability: Our collaboration with the municipality of Amsterdam
Innovation and sustainability: Our collaboration with the municipality of Amsterdam In the dynamic world of innovation and sustainability, collaboration is key to success. Recently, we as an organisation took part in the In Residence programme by the City of Amsterdam, an inspiring acceleration programme where innovative entrepreneurs and the city come together to develop sustainable solutions. To gain a better understanding of our collaboration and its impact, we spoke with the Innovation Project Manager, Mark Stoevelaar. It turned into an engaging conversation in which we gained valuable insights and received generous compliments about our approach. An Acceleration Programme for the Future The In Residence programme is designed to help both the municipality and entrepreneurs move forward. “On the one hand, we try to create acceleration within the municipality by gathering issues and seeking solutions for them.” “On the other hand, we help entrepreneurs test their innovations in practice,” says the Innovation Project Manager. For us, this programme offered a unique opportunity to test our solution during major events such as the Liberation Festival and Pride Amsterdam. Why We Were Selected During the presentation of the solutions, there was much interest from the organisers and the municipality in the Rubbish portal. “How can such a portal be used to make events more sustainable?” It is also interesting to consider how such a portal could further support the municipality. For example, could a monitoring platform also be a suitable tool for sports parks or construction sites? After all, events are a test case for sustainable innovations. “It was a great match to test this during festivals.” The Value of Insights from the Unknown One of the most valuable aspects of our collaboration was the insight we provided into an area that was unfamiliar to many. “There are quite a few smaller events that don’t have much support.” “Your portal can really be a source of information for them,” we were told. The Rubbish Portal helps municipalities with valuable data on waste flows and sustainability measures within events, particularly those events within municipal boundaries that are not organised by the municipality itself. This enables them to make better policies, manage circular initiatives more effectively, and adjust where necessary. By gaining insights into the sustainability of events, municipalities can work towards their sustainability goals more strategically and create better collaboration between organisers, waste processors, and suppliers. A Successful Collaboration Our collaboration was experienced as successful by both parties. “I think we worked really well together. We had structured meetings and kept each other well informed. You operate autonomously and directly contact suppliers, waste processors, and other parties. That’s very nice to see.” Future Vision: Creating Ownership According to Stoevelaar, it is important that municipalities feel responsible for making events more sustainable. The challenge lies in clearly demonstrating why investing in sustainable events is important. However, he believes it is crucial to incorporate sustainability and innovation into your organisation’s decision-making process. The successful projects with the City of Amsterdam have shown that The Rubbish Portal is a valuable tool for making events more sustainable. We look forward to working with the City of Amsterdam and other municipalities to continue building a more sustainable event landscape.
How the CSRD directive affects events
How the CSRD directive affects events Sustainability and transparency are playing an increasingly important role in the business world. The European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) mandates companies to disclose their environmental and social impact. But there are big changes on the horizon for corporate sustainability reporting in the EU! The European Commission has proposed significant updates to the CSRD and CSDDD requirements, aiming to cut regulatory burdens by 25% while staying aligned with the Green Deal. Although these directives are not yet fully defined, now is a good time to assess what they mean for you. It could happen at any moment that your company is required to comply with the CSRD directives. If it’s not mandated by legislation, it could be customers, partners, or insurers asking for insights. This raises many questions for entrepreneurs. How much work will this entail? What data needs to be collected? And is it possible to gain a strategic advantage from this? More and more companies are investing large sums of money and deploying extra staff to comply with reporting requirements. However, there are clever ways to make this process more efficient and effective. The Impact of CSRD on SMEs The CSRD requires companies to prepare sustainability reports on their environmental impact, social policies, and governance (ESG). Initially, the regulation focuses on large enterprises, but SMEs will also be directly or indirectly affected. A company falls under the CSRD obligation if it has more than 1,000 employees. Even companies that do not directly meet these criteria may come into contact with CSRD indirectly. Clients, investors, customers, or insurers may inquire about their environmental impact. ING estimates that ultimately tens of thousands of companies will be affected. Control Over Sustainability with the Rubbish Portal At Rubbish Reusables, we understand the importance of sustainability, but we also know that the process needs to be as simple as possible. That’s why we developed the Rubbish Portal: a smart tool that helps companies and events track their CO₂ emissions and environmental impact. The Rubbish Portal provides companies with a practical solution for sustainability reporting. It eliminates the need for separate spreadsheets and complex data systems, automating the calculation of environmental impact. Clear dashboards provide instant insight into emissions. For many companies, collecting the right data is the biggest challenge. The Rubbish Portal assists in gathering, analysing, and reporting information without the need for extra staff. This makes sustainability reporting not only easier but also more efficient and strategically valuable. Application in Various Sectors Different sectors can benefit from the Rubbish Portal: Event Industry: Direct insight into CO₂ emissions per event. Logistics: Easy measurement of the environmental impact of transport flows. Manufacturing: Insight into raw material and energy use. Thanks to these insights, sustainability reporting becomes not a burden but a strategic advantage that allows companies to differentiate themselves and operate more efficiently. Do you want to know how we can help your company or event? Contact us and discover the benefits of the Rubbish Portal!
The Untold Truth About Reusable Cups in the Events Industry
The Untold Truth About Reusable Cups in the Events Industry Reuse is a core tenant of the circular economy and much better than recycling, at least in theory. As a result reusable products, like cups, have become a popular solution in the push for sustainability—but they are only effective if they are reused again and again. If not, they can have a higher carbon footprint and generate more waste than the disposable products they were meant to replace. This is because reusable products require significantly more material and thus energy (carbon) to manufacture. The Reuse Problem in Events This challenge is particularly pronounced in the events industry, where many festivals and venues have switched to reusable cups but experience low return rates. As a result, they often end up having a worse environmental impact than if they had stuck with single-use disposables. This is not great news for an industry trying to go green. Certain venues, such as theatres and cinemas, find it easier to maintain high (90%+) return rates for reusable products. However, outdoor events, football stadiums, and concerts struggle to achieve these rates. The issue is compounded by the practice of encouraging branded reusable cups as souvenirs, which leads to high losses and undermines the entire purpose of reuse. Souvenir Cups ARE SINGLE USE! When attendees take cups home as keepsakes, the event must replace them with new ones—effectively turning reusable cups into single-use products with a much higher environmental cost. While attendees might reuse these cups at home, this offers no benefit to the event’s sustainability goals. Also they will already have cups at home, they do not need these, so it has no eco benefit there either. Reusable cup companies have often encouraged this practice to boost their cup sales, but we believe this is highly irresponsible. The industry must redesign business models to align with the true goals of reuse. Why The Low Return Rate? Unfortunately years of single use packaging has influenced behaviour so much so that a lot of people simply do not think twice about littering packaging on the ground. From my perspective this is less a problem of character (‘bad people’) and more a problem of bad disposable packaging and wasteful systems having trained people to act in this way. So events and venues need to use a deposit system to incentivise return and penalise littering of reusables. This carrot and stick approach helps break visitors out of the disposable mindset where packaging is worthless to them and therefore does not get a second thought. But here lies the next problem… Current Deposit Systems Suck Bar operators don’t like them, as they want to sell drinks not handle cup returns, and attendees don’t like them either as they are being charged a fee and its very inconvenient to return the cups. At lots of events its not really a deposit and simply a cup charge/levy as consumers can’t get the money back, they just don’t have to pay any more if they bring their cup back to the bar for their next drink. Alongside not being very fair to shift the cost to the attendee, it also rarely works. If you can only use the cup to avoid a charge on your next drink then you must hold onto your empty cup until you are ready for another drink, which sucks as you’ve got to look after a cup for the entire event. And at the end of the event you have no incentive to return the cup as you aren’t buying any more drinks so everyone drops their last cup. In some cases it is actually a deposit, so you can get money back, but this still has its own problems. To get the cash back you must return to the bar with your empty cup, the same bar people are queuing to buy drinks from… So when you finish your drink you either have to join a queue or hold onto your empty cup until your next drink. Also when anyone can get cash-back for a cup people are incentivised to steal other peoples cups and return them for cash. People like to picture young children collecting the cups to get some money, but at large events you can get organised crime groups becoming the cup mafia to cash in on the large amount of deposit cash.The result? Even with deposit schemes events still get low return rates and reusable cups are left all over the floor creating the same sea of plastic litter they were meant to replace. The result? Even with deposit schemes events still get low return rates and reusable cups are left all over the floor creating the same sea of plastic litter they were meant to replace. The Carbon Footprint of Reusables Reusable cups are often four to seven times heavier than their disposable counterparts, therefore requiring four to seven times as much material and energy to produce. This means a reusable cup must be used at least seven times to break even with a single-use cup in terms of carbon impact—and up to 14 times to offer significant environmental benefits. This target is achievable, but only with well-designed systems that focus on maximising return rates. An 80% return rate, while seemingly high, results in each cup being reused only about five times before it is lost or discarded. To make reuse systems environmentally effective, return rates need to exceed 90%. Committing to the Challenge Despite these hurdles, we know that making reuse work is vital for the circular economy and the future of our planet. At Rubbish Ideas, we are committed to overcoming this challenge through innovation and data-driven solutions. 1. Measuring Reuse with The Rubbish Portal Our platform, The Rubbish Portal, is designed to accurately measure the impact of reusable products and compare it to single-use alternatives. This allows event organisers to see how well their reuse systems are performing and make data-informed improvements. The Rubbish Portal tracks key metrics such
How to improve sustainability and optimize the reusable cup process?
How Can an Organization Improve Sustainability and Optimize the Reusable Cup Process? More and more organizations are switching to reusable cups to reduce waste and promote sustainability. A great step forward, but a major challenge remains: how do you ensure that the cups are not lost in large numbers or taken home? A solid approach starts with clear communication. It is essential that both employees and visitors fully understand how the system works. Employees should be well-informed about the procedures and their role in the system so they can effectively guide and assist visitors. This can be done before the event or workday by providing clear information through training and internal communication channels. Visitors, in turn, can be informed through newsletters, social media, and the website, ensuring they know what is expected of them before they arrive. A smart return process can make a significant difference. Many organizations choose a deposit system where users pay a small fee per hardcup. They receive this deposit back upon return, creating an extra incentive not to throw the hardcup away or take it home. Additionally, return points should be clearly visible and easily accessible. Some businesses and events even reward reuse, such as offering discounts on purchases when a customer brings their own reusable cup. Behavioral change is a crucial factor. People are creatures of habit and may resist change. That’s why it helps to mark return points clearly and place them strategically. Sharing statistics, such as the number of single-use cups saved, can also motivate people to contribute to a more sustainable system. The Rubbish Portal plays an important role in this process by accurately tracking the emissions of events. This provides organizers with a detailed overview of the environmental impact, enabling them to closely monitor and reduce the festival’s ecological footprint. Evaluation and optimization ensure that the reusable cup system continues to improve. By tracking how many hardcups are actually returned and identifying areas for improvement, organizations can learn and make necessary adjustments. User feedback is valuable and can help refine the system for the future. Through a combination of clear communication, an effective return system, and behavioral incentives, organizations can significantly reduce the loss of hardcups. With a well-thought-out reusable cup system, sustainability becomes not just a goal, but an achievable reality.
