Thinking About Starting a Reuse Scheme? Here’s What You Need to Know

Most venues reach the same point. You know that single-use packaging is a problem. Waste is growing. And that reuse is a viable solution. But when it comes to actually starting, the questions stack up quickly. Where do you begin? What does it actually involve? And what do you need to get it right from day one?

Key Takeaways:

• A reuse scheme is simpler to understand than it sounds, especially when you have the right structure.

• The most common mistakes venues make are avoidable with the right preparation.

• Choosing the right technology partner early makes the difference between a scheme that delivers and one that disappoints.

What A Reuse Scheme Actually Involves

A reuse scheme is straightforward. Instead of handing customers single-use cups that get thrown away, you give them a reusable one. They use it and return it so it can be washed and is recirculated to create a closed loop.

But in practice, there are a few components that you need to work together:

• The cup needs to be durable and designed for multiple uses.

• The return point should be accessible for attendees to find and use.

• An incentive that makes attendees more likely to return the cup, such as a deposit or rewards.

• Data to make your scheme visible, know what’s going out, coming in and any gaps.

With all four of these, you’re already on the right track for a successful scheme. Technology can provide the structure for your closed loops.

Common Mistakes Venues Make When Starting Out

Many venues face common mistakes when they start with a reuse scheme. They invest in good cups but often face issues in getting the customer to return. Return points are inconvenient; there is no signage or communication on how to return the cups, so attendees don’t return cups and return rates go down. It’s not because they don’t want to, but because the process isn’t clear.

Another mistake is that they start without a way to measure anything. Those who cannot see the way that the scheme is operating, how consumers are engaging with the scheme, and stock levels, struggle to scale the system. Without data and transparency, there is no baseline to improve. Don’t try guessing how your scheme is working, as that can cost you each time a cup doesn’t come back.

Not all reuse technology is built for venue environments. Systems designed for retail or hospitality don't always translate to a stadium or festival setting where volume is high, time is short, and the customer journey is fast-moving.

What to Look For in a Technology Partner

A good technology partner doesn't just provide hardware. They help you design a scheme that works for your specific environment, the layout, the footfall, the event type, and give you the data to manage and improve it over time.

Look for a partner who offers real-time cup tracking, instant deposit refunds at the point of return, and reporting that works alongside your existing operations.

Before You Begin: Questions to Ask Yourself

Before investing in reusable cups, technology, and return points, take a step back to understand where you're starting from. This helps you identify what needs to be put in place before you begin. Ask yourself:

• Do you have accessible areas that can act as return points?

• Would you operate a deposit scheme to incentivise the return of cups?

• What kind of data do you want to see?

If you're unsure how to answer any of these, that's exactly where we can help.

Starting a reuse scheme doesn't have to be complicated. With the right level of real-time visibility over your cups and operations, deposit refunds and rewards for customers, and reporting, the process will become a lot easier to manage and run.

At Circulayo, we work with venues to design and implement reuse schemes that actually deliver, from the first cup out to the last one back. If you're thinking about where to start, get in touch or book a demo today.