Cup return system: selection tool
This selection tool is intended to help organisers of events & activities taking place at UT with putting together a cup return system appropriate for the event in question. The tool consists of four parts: each part is a component of the cup return system. When combined, these components form an appropriate cup return system.
Note: re-usable cups are the norm for events & activities taking place at UT. RPET softcups are only an option when cup return systems with hardcups or glass can not be used.
Component 1: hardcups, glass or softcups
The selection tool starts by choosing an appropriate type of cup. There is a choice between hardcups, glass and softcups. Start with question 1 and continue until you've been recommended the cup that is appropiate for your event/activity.
Extra information on rPET softcups Organisations that use softcups must fill out a form from the Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport (ILT), indicating that they are invoking the exception on the ban on supplying plastic drinking cups. The ILT records the data from this notification and uses it for its supervision and enforcement. After an event ends, the event organizer is responsible for ensuring that the used PET is recycled.
The event organization must also demonstrate to the ILT whether a sufficient number of PET cups have been recycled of high-quality. Here the rule is that in 2024 at least 75% must be high quality recycled. This percentage increases annually by 5% to a maximum of 90%. The required proof of high-quality recycling can only be obtained through the waste processing facility if a separate waste stream is formed, containing only clean (drinking residue only) rPET cups and delivered without a bag or in transparent bags in a rented container.
Stacked, the cups take up the least space and approximately 6,000 cups fit per 1,000l container. The transportation cost for placing a container in 2023 is €310 per event and the container must be placed on a paved road or on road plates. This container can be arranged through the service desk.
Since the number of cups used and recycled must be indicated for each event, it is not possible to combine a container for different events. Additionally, open events must offer a reusable alternative to rPET softcups, or accept visitors to bring their own cup.
Component 2: return incentive
A cup return system depents on event visitors to return their used cups. A return incentive encourages visitors to participate in this. This incentive can be a deposit system or a system of recycling tokens.
The two questions below help determine what type of return incentive is appropriate for the event/activity being organised.
Is the event/activity you are organising an open event/activity? Then use a deposit system.
When using a deposit system, the visitor pays a deposit amount when ordering the first drink. The cup is returned at the next order and the visitor receives a new, clean cup. Upon departure, the deposit amount is refunded. The deposit amount should be a minimum of €1 to a maximum of the price of a drink. Not only to cover the cost of a lost cup, but also precisely to give the cup extra value. Giving the cup extra value acts as an incentive to bring the cup back to the bar.
In some cases, the degree of social control at an event is so great that a return incentive is not necessary for a cup return system to work. For example, consider small-scale get-togethers held by student associations. It is up to the event organizer to assess whether a return incentive can be left out.
Is the event/activity you are organising a closed event/activity? Then use recycling tokens.
When using recycling tokens, visitors usually receive a free recycling token at the entrance. The visitor will receive a cup on the first order in exchange for the token. On the next order, it will be exchanged for a new, clean cup. If the visitor loses his or her cup, a new one can be purchased at the bar. To ensure that this financial return incentive is truly incentive, it is recommended that the price of a new cup be at least half the price of a consumption.
In some cases, the degree of social control at an event/activity is so great that a return incentive is not necessary for a cup return system to work. For example, consider small-scale get-togethers held by student associations. It is up to the event organizer to assess whether a return incentive can be left out.
Component 3: return incentive last cup
This component can be skipped if you make use of hardcups that visitors can bring home with them after the event/activity.
To ensure that visitors also return their last cup before leaving an event/activity, it may be necessary to build in a second return incentive. The two questions below help assess whether it is necessary to build in a return incentive for visitors' last cups.
Is a deposit used as a return incentive at the event/activity? The deposit amount acts as a return incentive for the last cup, so the return incentive for the last cup is already built-in. The visitor gets his or her deposit back when the last cup is returned.
Are recycle tokens being used as a return incentive at the event/activity? Recycle tokens have no financial value. We recommend event organizers make use of a non-financial return incentive. This return incentive should not serve a financial return incentive. Instead, for example: a code for a chance to win a prize. Event organizers are advised to tailor this 'final cup return incentive' to the target audience of the event.
Component 4: In-between return collection
Research shows that visitors like an option to return their cup during the event/activity. An in-between return incentive allows visitors to return used cups during the event/activity. This way, visitors do not have to keep their used cup with them when they do not want a new consumption right away.
When visitors return their used cup during the event/activity, they receive a recycling token or receive the deposit amount back. When using deposits as a return incentive, it is also possible to choose to use recycling tokens.
The in-between return collection works faster with recycling tokens than with a deposit. The in-between return collection can take place behind the bar(s) or at a recycling point. The two questions below will help determine where the in-between return collection can best take place.
Is the bar staff able to peform the in-between return collection? Yes: Go to the next question.
No: Create a recycling point separate from the bars.
Do visitors have to wait in line to return their cup if the in-between return collection takes place at the bars? Yes: Create a recycling point separate from the bars.
No: Conduct the in-between return collection at the bars.
The importance of communication
A successful cup return system goes hand in hand with clear communication to event staff and visitors. Event organisers should make sure all parties are clearly informed on what is expected of them when it comes to the design of your cup return system.
Help or questions?
For help or questions about the design of your cup return system, please contact the SEE programme at sustainability@utwente.nl
Last edit: 9 October 2023