The city government explains that the objective of this pilot project is “to create an innovative and sustainable solution to the problem of disposable cups that are abandoned in large quantities on public roads”.

For example, the use of disposable cups in Lisbon's nightlife areas “is a widespread practice”, the municipality indicates.

This situation “degrades the state of the streets and increases the need to allocate resources for cleaning, washing and removing waste”, highlights the municipality, adding that it is also “an environmentally unsustainable practice, since part of this waste plastic is carried by the wind and rain, polluting the water of the River.”

In addition to the cup reuse system, reusable cup reception stations, called “reverse vending machines”, will be installed, which will allow users to return the cups and recover the amount paid as a deposit. Afterwards, the cups will be sanitised and returned to the merchants, closing the reuse cycle and promoting the circular economy.

The implementation of the cup reuse system will be carried out under a protocol with the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association (AHRESP) and the recycling company TOMRA.