— By Plasteurope.com staff — 

Lisbon has become the first European capital to introduce a city-wide reusable cup system, aiming to reduce plastics waste and emissions across its hospitality sector. The initiative, launched on 27 June 2025, is a collaboration between the city of Lisbon, Norwegian sorting technology specialist Tomra (Asker; www.tomra.com), and Portuguese hospitality association Ahresp (Lisbon; www.ahresp.com).

The system operates on a deposit-return model where customers pay a refundable EUR 0.60 deposit when purchasing drinks in reusable cups. These cups can be returned at Tomra-operated collection points around the city by tapping a contactless card or phone to receive the deposit back. The initial trial phase began with return points at two historic kiosks, Praça de São Paulo and Praça do Príncipe Real, with a full rollout scheduled for October 2025.

Related: Sorting technology specialist trials plastics waste separation at new plant 

Powered by Tomra’s Rotake technology, the system manages cup collection, sanitation, and redistribution, aiming to streamline reuse in Lisbon’s busy nightlife areas. On average, 25,000 cups are used each night in the city’s entertainment districts, but until now, no comprehensive collection system existed.

The move follows Lisbon’s municipal regulation banning single-use plastic cups, which requires effective infrastructure to succeed. Ahresp is working closely with local bars, cafés, and venues to ensure widespread participation.

By October, the city plans to introduce a standardised so-called Lisbon cup and install 17 return points across central neighbourhoods. The initiative builds on a similar system in Aarhus, Denmark, which has achieved an 85% return rate over 18 months.