We believe that the events industry has the opportunity to become truly circular. That means not only focusing on reusable cups, but also rethinking how we deal with deposit return systems for bottles and cans. At festivals, alongside beer or soft drinks served in reusable cups, a significant number of drinks are still sold in plastic bottles or cans. These carry a deposit, and to make sure they are returned, it must be as quick and easy as possible for visitors to hand them back.
What is Statiegeld Nederland?
Statiegeld Nederland is the organisation responsible for managing the Dutch deposit return system for plastic bottles and cans. Since 2021 for small plastic bottles, and 2023 for cans, all producers and retailers in the Netherlands have been required to add a deposit to these containers. Statiegeld Nederland oversees the logistics, collection points and financial flows to ensure that as many bottles and cans as possible are returned and recycled into new packaging. Their work is crucial in reducing litter, cutting CO₂ emissions, and creating a closed loop for packaging.
Innovation on festivals: mobile bulk machines
Deposit Return Netherlands is now expanding its work to festivals and large public events. During Carnival in six cities, for example, they tested mobile bulk machines that allowed visitors to return over one hundred bottles or cans at once. Festival-goers could choose whether to have their deposit refunded digitally via Tikkie, or to donate it to a local charity. This approach not only makes returning items practical, but also turns it into part of the festival experience. The success of these machines shows that convenience, visibility and direct rewards are key to achieving high return rates and preventing waste.
Combining reusable cups with deposit return
For festivals that already use reusable cups, this development can be the missing link. Reusable cups reduce single-use plastic and cut down drastically on waste, but many drinks are still supplied in bottles or cans. By combining a reusable cup system with mobile deposit return points, organisers can ensure that all packaging, cups, bottles and cans, makes its way back into the cycle. Visitors are more likely to return everything when it is simple, quick and rewarding, while organisers can demonstrate that their event is fully aligned with sustainability goals. The result is a cleaner festival site, a stronger circular economy and a positive experience for everyone involved.
Why collaboration matters
A partnership between festival organisers, Rubbish Reusables and Statiegeld Nederland offers a practical solution for sustainable festivals. By setting up mobile return stations or bulk machines across a site, events can integrate deposit return into the visitor journey. This makes handing in bottles and cans just as natural as returning a reusable cup at the bar. At the same time, organisers benefit from reliable logistics, transparent data on collection rates, and the positive branding of hosting a truly circular event.
Closing the loop at circular events
Reusable cups provide the foundation for reducing waste at festivals, but the circle is only complete when deposit return systems are seamlessly integrated too. By working together with Statiegeld Nederland, festivals can take a major step towards becoming both waste-free and climate-friendly. This is how sustainable festivals of the future will look: fun, engaging, and a shining example of circular innovation.
Read more about the bulk machines during carnival here.
