In an effort to become more sustainable, the municipality of Rotterdam, the NS, and Rotterdam-based entrepreneurs have launched a trial to test reusable cup deposits as an alternative to disposable coffee cups.
Starting Monday, March 18, Rotterdam Central Station will hold a three-month trial to test the new reusable cup system, along with 14 local entrepreneurs and nine retailers.
How does it work?
As the NS explains in a press release, travellers can buy a reusable cup for €1 when ordering their coffee from various kiosks at Rotterdam Central.
When returning the cup — be it in the station or at one of the participating businesses in the city — they get their deposit back via Tikkie by simply scanning a QR code.
A chance at free coffee
With the reusable deposit cup, the initiators hope to reduce waste and stimulate more sustainable practices such as using reusable cups. 🥤
🎉 Evernew's Statiegeldbeker groundbreaking initiative on reuse systems started today in Rotterdam!
🥛 This initiative by the Evernew project (part of the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP) ecosystem), runs a collective return system for reusable cups
👉 https://t.co/2xDw060SB3 pic.twitter.com/w19LOnplSI— Zero Waste Europe (@zerowasteeurope) March 18, 2024
Travellers can still opt for a disposable cup during this trial period, but they’ll miss out on a great opportunity.
To encourage more participation, anyone who chooses a deposit cup at the Kiosk, Julia’s, AH To Go, or the StationsHuiskamer during these three months has a chance to win free coffee for a year.
The NS, ProRail, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management aim to have waste-free stations by 2040.
There’s still a long way to go, but the Netherlands is making steps in the right direction — and we love to see it. 🌱
What do you think of this sustainable initiative? Tell us in the comments below!
