No complete ban, but strict conditions for cardboard coffee cups
The new rules for cardboard coffee cups include important changes focused on sustainability and recycling. Here's an overview of the changes:
- Cardboard cups for on-site consumptionWhen a customer drinks coffee on-site, the cardboard cup may contain a maximum of 5% plastic. This is intended to reduce plastic use. In addition, these cups must be collected properly to facilitate recycling. This means that businesses must provide facilities for the separate collection and processing of these cups. A reusable alternative is mandatory.
- Cardboard cups for 'Coffee to Go' (takeaway)For coffee cups used for coffee on the go (takeaway or "coffee to go"), paper cups may contain more than 5% plastic. This does come with an additional cost: a surcharge will be added to these cups, and they can no longer be given away for free. Customers will therefore have to pay extra for a takeaway cup. This is intended to encourage consumers to bring their own reusable cups and thus reduce waste.
In summary:
- Cups for on-site consumption: max. 5% plastic, must be collected for recycling.
- Takeaway cups (on the go): more than 5% plastic allowed, but with a surcharge and not free.
The following rules apply to coffee cups used for consumption on site:
- Registration requirementCompanies must register with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) using a notification form.
- Collection targetBy 2025, companies must be able to demonstrate that at least 80% of used cups are collected for recycling. This means that companies must ensure efficient collection systems are in place to achieve this target.
- Recyclability: It must be demonstrated that the used cups are fully recyclable so that they can be reintroduced into the production cycle.
- Recycling data administrationCompanies are required to keep records of collected and recycled cups for three years. This data must be available as proof of compliance.
Recycle cardboard cups?
To have used cardboard cups recycled in an environmentally friendly way, you can contact Bekervriend. They will ensure that the cups are collected and processed according to the approved guidelines of the ILT.
