TOMRA operates a professional sanitization service in Aarhus that rigorously sanitizes the REUSEABLE packaging, meeting the stringent standards set by relevant food and safety authorities.

The cups are made from PP, known as polypropylene. This durable plastic is designed for prolonged use and can withstand repeated washing. Once the cups reach the end of their usable life or cannot be reused for other reasons, the material can be recycled.

Here is a map displaying the locations of reuse collection points in Aarhus city center: Map

Unfortunately, this isn’t feasible currently because these actions fall under two distinct return systems. The deposit return system for cans and bottles has specific limitations on acceptable packaging, and to-go or takeaway packaging cannot be processed within the system at present.

Unfortunately, consumers cannot return their used REUSEABLE cups to their nearest cafes due to several reasons:

• The cups must undergo proper sanitization as per the strict standards mandated by food and safety authorities. TOMRA provides a professional sanitization service in Aarhus for this purpose.

• Some cafes prefer not to handle or receive dirty packaging across the counter or manage the washing of used cups.

• Allowing the return of cups directly to cafes increases the risk of theft or fraudulent attempts involving the 5 kr. deposit, posing challenges in managing deposit payments at the cafe level.

The 5 kroner deposit per cup is valid for a period of one year from the moment you purchase your to-go drink in a REUSEABLE cup.

Disposable cardboard cups, containing both cardboard and a plastic wrap (PLA liner), are very hard to recycle, hence normally these are incinerated. Opting for a reusable plastic cup can cut CO2 emissions by more than 70% compared to disposables (Eunomia 2023). In addition to that, reusable packaging with a return incentive solves a major littering problem.

A reusable plastic cup used in this system needs to be reused a minimum of six times in order to have a lower greenhouse gas impact than a disposable cup (Eunomia 2023). Right from its first use however, a reusable cup will help to reduce litter.

When ordering your to-go drink, opt for the reusable cup available at your favorite shop by paying an additional 5 kr. deposit. Once you’ve finished your drink, simply locate the nearest reuse collection point within the city. Once you are there, simply tap your debit/credit card, Apple/Google Watch, or phone to return the cup via the designated machine. The 5 kr. deposit per cup will be refunded to your bank account.

Washing a reusable cup requires approximately 50 ml of water/cup, whereas the production of a disposable cardboard cup demands around 250 ml of water.

Taking the whole reuse value chain into consideration, opting for a reusable plastic cup can cut CO2 emissions by more than 70% compared to disposables (Eunomia 2023). In addition to that, to reduce CO2 emissions, the cups are collected and delivered using electric cars and bicycles.

Here is a map highlighting locations where you can select your preferred cup: Map

Typically, it takes up to two business days for the deposit value to be available in your bank account, though in some cases, the refund may process even quicker.