Lisbon Introduces Citywide Deposit System for Plastic Cups, Making it the First European Capital to Adopt Such a Scheme
Lisbon, Portugal, has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future by introducing a citywide reusable cup scheme, marking a first for European capitals [1][2][3]. The initiative, launched in June 2025, aims to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions linked to single-use cups, particularly in the city's hospitality and nightlife sectors.
The scheme operates through a local deposit-return framework, supported by TOMRA's digital "Rotake" system for tracking, collection, cleaning, and redistribution of cups [1][2][3]. Consumers are required to pay a refundable deposit (€0.60) when purchasing drinks in reusable cups, which they can reclaim by tapping their bank card or phone at designated return stations [1][2].
The new scheme addresses a significant issue in Lisbon's entertainment districts, where approximately 25,000 cups are used nightly, many previously marketed as reusable but lacking systematic collection and cleaning [1][3]. The city council, in partnership with TOMRA and the Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Similar Services of Portugal (AHRESP), hopes that the scheme will lead to significant reductions in plastic waste and associated emissions [1][2][3].
Initially, return kiosks have been set up in key locations such as Praça de São Paulo and Praça do Príncipe Real, with plans to expand to at least 17 stations in the city center [1][2]. The scheme requires no registration, making it easy for consumers to participate. By autumn 2025, Lisbon plans to launch a standardized "Lisbon cup" for all participating bars and establishments [1].
The partnership aims to help the HORECA sector transition to a more circular economy, with AHRESP providing cafes, bars, and nightclubs with help and advice on how to align with the new reuse model [1]. Rui Cordeiro, Lisbon City Council's councillor for Waste and Circular Economy, expressed hope that other cities would follow Lisbon's lead [1].
Carlos Moura, AHRESP chairman, stated that the initiative represents a necessary change for the HORECA sector, offering not only a practical solution to respond to the new regulations but also an opportunity to lead, with consumers, a sustainable and positive change of habits for the city of Lisbon [1].
While full impact assessments on waste and emissions reduction will be clearer after broader rollout and operational data collection later in 2025, the system builds on successful precedents like the Aarhus trial in Denmark, which achieved an 85% cup return rate over 18 months and returned over one million cups [1][2][3].
As Lisbon moves forward with this comprehensive solution, the city is poised to become a leader in sustainable urban waste management, offering a model for other cities to emulate [1][2][3][4].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/lisbon-introduces-citywide-reusable-cup-scheme-2025-06-27/ [2] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/27/lisbon-introduces-citywide-reusable-cup-scheme-to-combat-plastic-waste [3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-61321283 [4] https://www.european-cleaners.eu/news/lisbon-launches-citywide-reusable-cup-scheme-to-reduce-plastic-waste/
- The city of Lisbon, Portugal, has partnered with TOMRA and the Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Similar Services of Portugal (AHRESP) to introduce a citywide reusable cup scheme, aiming to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions.
- The new scheme, operating through a deposit-return framework, targets the city's hospitality and nightlife sectors, particularly addressing the issue in entertainment districts where approximately 25,000 cups are used nightly.
- Consumers are required to pay a refundable deposit when purchasing drinks in reusable cups and can reclaim the deposit by tapping their bank card or phone at designated return stations.
- The scheme, initially set up in key locations like Praça de São Paulo and Praça do Príncipe Real, aims to expand to at least 17 stations in the city center and will launch a standardized "Lisbon cup" for all participating bars and establishments by autumn 2025.
- The initiative not only helps the HORECA sector transition to a more circular economy but also presents an opportunity for consumers to lead a sustainable and positive change of habits for the city of Lisbon, potentially setting an example for other cities to follow.
