BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Lisbon has just taken a big, refreshing step toward sustainability, perfectly timed for Plastic Free July. With the launch of a citywide reusable cup system, it becomes the first European capital to implement a deposit-and-return scheme designed to reduce single-use plastic waste in the hospitality and nightlife sectors.
Each night, about 25,000 cups are used across Lisbon’s vibrant entertainment areas. While many are technically reusable, most end up discarded due to the lack of an efficient reuse system. Now, a new initiative is flipping the script, making it easy and rewarding for residents and tourists alike to make the eco-friendly choice.
Behind the scenes of the cup comeback
Launched on June 27 with return points at two historic kiosks, Praça de São Paulo and Praça do Príncipe Real, the system allows customers to receive drinks in reusable cups after paying a modest deposit. Upon return, the deposit is fully refunded via a simple tap of a contactless card or mobile device.
The pilot phase will continue through October 2025, when a standardized “Lisbon cup” will debut across central neighborhoods. By then, the city plans to install 17 return points in the popular Baixa district.
Turning regulation into real change
This new infrastructure supports Lisbon City Council’s 2024 ban on disposable plastic cups. The bold regulation demands more than policy; it requires a tangible system that works in everyday life.
“Lisbon is committed to leading by example, promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and involving partners in a real change towards more conscious consumption habits,” said Rui Cordeiro, the council’s Waste and Circular Economy councillor. “This is a concrete step toward building a culture of reuse.”
Hospitality at the heart of the solution
Local hospitality is key to the system’s success. The Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Services of Portugal (AHRESP) is helping bars, cafes, and nightclubs adapt to the new model.
“This initiative represents a necessary change for the HORECA sector,” said Carlos Moura, AHRESP’s board chairman. “It’s both a practical solution to new regulations and a chance to lead a sustainable shift alongside consumers.”
Reuse made simple: how it works
The process is straightforward: pay a €0.60 deposit for your reusable cup and get it back by returning the cup to any TOMRA return point. No registration or app is needed—just tap your card or phone. TOMRA then collects, sanitizes, and redistributes the cups to keep the system running smoothly.
At the recent “Lisbon to Reuse” summit at the Museum of Design and Fashion (MUDE), attendees got a first-hand look at the system in action, including the sleek return machines and contactless reimbursement.
Lisbon’s new model not only keeps streets cleaner but also points toward a more circular economy—one cup at a time.
