Lisbon Leads the Way as First European Capital to Launch Citywide Reusable Cup System
Lisbon has taken a bold step in sustainable urban innovation, becoming the first European capital to implement a citywide reusable cup system supported by a local deposit-return model. Spearheaded by a partnership between the City of Lisbon, TOMRA, and AHRESP (Associação da Hotelaria, Restauração e Similares de Portugal), the initiative aims to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste, cut carbon emissions, and promote a more sustainable consumption culture across the city’s lively hospitality and nightlife sectors.
First Phase Underway
The pioneering program officially kicked off on June 26, with the first TOMRA-operated return stations going live at two historic Lisbon kiosks—quiosques—in Praça de São Paulo and Praça do Príncipe Real. Patrons purchasing beverages at participating venues now receive them in specially designed reusable cups after paying a refundable deposit of €0.60. Returning the cup is quick and seamless: users simply tap their card or phone at one of the TOMRA return points to get their deposit refunded. A full-scale citywide launch is scheduled for October 2025.
Technology Tailored for Cities
At the heart of this initiative is TOMRA’s “Rotake” system—a comprehensive reuse platform engineered for urban environments. It encompasses every stage of the reusable cup lifecycle, from digital tracking and reverse vending to professional sanitization and redistribution. As a global leader in reverse vending solutions, TOMRA ensures that the system is not only efficient and hygienic but also scalable to meet the demands of Lisbon’s bustling city life.
“We’re proud to partner with Lisbon on this first-of-its-kind city system in a European capital,” said Geir Sæther, Head of TOMRA Reuse. “The system deployed in Lisbon is designed specifically for urban areas—making reuse easy, clean, and rewarding for everyone involved.”
Addressing a Critical Gap
Lisbon’s entertainment districts see the use of approximately 25,000 drink cups every night. While many of these cups are technically “reusable,” the lack of an organized return-and-reuse infrastructure has rendered them functionally disposable. This new initiative directly addresses that gap, turning reuse into a practical and accessible option.
Backed by Strong Policy and Infrastructure
The program follows a recent Lisbon Municipal Regulation that bans single-use plastic cups—an ambitious policy move that required robust infrastructure to be viable. With TOMRA’s technology and a strong network of local partners, Lisbon is now poised to achieve measurable impact on plastic waste reduction.
“Lisbon is committed to leading by example, promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and engaging partners in real change toward more conscious consumption habits,” said Rui Cordeiro, City Councillor for Waste Management and Circular Economy. “This is a concrete step toward building a culture of reuse in our city and inspiring other municipalities to follow the same path.”
Hospitality Industry Engagement
A key factor in the initiative’s success is the active participation of Lisbon’s hospitality sector. AHRESP, Portugal’s largest association for the hospitality industry, is playing a central role by helping cafés, bars, and entertainment venues transition to the new system.
“This initiative represents a necessary shift for the hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) sector,” said Carlos Moura, President of AHRESP. “It offers a practical solution to comply with new regulations while positioning our establishments as leaders in sustainable practices. Together with consumers, we are shaping healthier, more responsible habits for Lisbon.”
Launch Summit and Public Engagement
To commemorate the official launch, the City of Lisbon hosted the “Lisboa a Reutilizar” summit on June 25 at MUDE – Museu do Design. The event brought together policymakers, environmental advocates, and urban design experts to explore the new reuse system, share insights, and test the TOMRA return process in person.
How the System Works
- Deposit model: Beverages are served in reusable cups with a refundable €0.60 deposit.
- Easy returns: Cups can be dropped off at TOMRA return machines located near participating venues.
- Instant refunds: Deposits are returned instantly via contactless payment—no registration required.
- Full service: TOMRA manages cup logistics, cleaning, and redistribution to participating locations.
By October 2025, Lisbon will introduce a standardized “Lisbon cup” to be used citywide across all bars and hospitality venues. At least 17 return stations will be in place throughout central neighborhoods, making the system easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.
Building on International Success
Lisbon’s reusable cup program builds on TOMRA’s successful pilot project in Aarhus, Denmark, where over one million cups have been returned and reuse rates have exceeded 85% within 18 months. Lisbon aims to surpass those numbers, setting a new standard for what’s possible in a capital city.
“This isn’t just about reducing plastic cup waste—it’s about rethinking how cities manage resources,” added Sæther. “Lisbon is proving that with forward-thinking policies and the right partnerships, reuse can be modern, mainstream, and incredibly effective.”
Lisbon’s bold move positions it at the forefront of Europe’s urban sustainability movement, offering a scalable model for other cities aiming to break free from single-use culture and build a circular future.
