Lisbon Leads Europe with City-Wide Reusable Cup System Backed by TOMRA
Lisbon has become the first European capital to implement a full-scale, city-wide deposit-return system for reusable cups, setting a new standard for sustainable urban living. This groundbreaking initiative is the result of a partnership between the City of Lisbon, TOMRA, a global leader in circular economy solutions, and AHRESP, Portugal’s hospitality association.
Launched on June 27, 2025, the system allows customers to receive drinks in reusable cups by paying a small, refundable deposit. When cups are returned at TOMRA’s automated return points—initially installed at key city kiosks—the deposit is refunded instantly through contactless payment methods. The full roll-out across Lisbon is scheduled for October 2025.
Powered by TOMRA’s “Rotake” system, this tech-enabled model manages every step of the reuse process: collection, cleaning, and redistribution. The aim is to combat the staggering waste generated by Lisbon’s nightlife, where an estimated 25,000 cups are used—and often discarded—each night.
This pioneering reuse system follows Lisbon’s regulatory ban on single-use plastic cups, blending progressive policy with scalable infrastructure. The collaboration also involves the hospitality sector, with AHRESP bringing cafés, bars, and restaurants into the sustainability loop.
The project draws inspiration from Denmark’s Aarhus model, which boasts return rates exceeding 85%, and aspires to replicate and surpass this success in Lisbon. A standardized “Lisbon Cup” will be introduced for all venues, with 17 return points planned city-wide.
This initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also transforms consumer behavior by making reuse easy, hygienic, and rewarding—demonstrating how cities can align sustainability goals with modern convenience.
