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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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