Billie Cup (reusable cups for deposit return)
Billie Cup is a range of reusable cups used across Europe for independent cafes, coffee shops, hotels and restaurants, that comply with regulations for deposit return systems (where customers pay a small deposit to take a cup, then get it back when they return the cup).
Deposit return schemes are popular across mainland Europe. The last has been delayed in England, due to the English government not wanting glass to be included (this is included in other countries abroad, so why we have to be different is anyone’s guess).
Use with Sanctuary Coffee (profits help animal sanctuaries!) Avoid caffeine for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions.
To avoid clogged sinks (and plumbing bills), invest in a sink protector mat which will collect coffee grounds (just bin them, as latest advice suggests caffeine could harm compost bin creatures).
The cups are made from plastic (simply because they are designed to be used hundreds of times, and easy to wash in hot dishwashers, before recycling). The idea is to reduce litter, as customers return them for their £1 or so fee (or 1 Euro in France, Belgium and The Netherlands).
The brand was founded by two environmental activists who decided to design a range of cups with lids, to replace disposable littered cups. Available in 5 versions:
- A tiny espresso cup
- A small coffee cup
- A standard coffee cup
- A large coffee cup
- An extra large coffee cup
The lids are sold to customers as one-off purchases, to use with the returnable cups.
The company also sells tokens (made from recycled fishing waste) that cashless outlets can use, for customers to buy and return the cups, without need for notes or coins. Millions of disposable coffee cups are thrown away each day.
The paper can’t be recycled due to plastic lining, which breaks into microplastics if the cups are littered. Sweet caramel liquids can tempt dogs and wildlife (harmed by caffeine or xylitol).
Depending on your business, you can choose to take small deposits manually, but the scheme is set up to use with bank cards and QR codes, for ease of use for regular coffee shop drinkers.
You can read a case study of a successful scheme in place in Cornwall. Customers pay a £1 deposit a returnable cup, then return for a refill or refund. The scheme has proved very popular.
Returnable cups are becoming increasingly popular, as an alternative to refillable coffee cups (which are also good). Major chain brands are getting on board, and the scheme is also now up and running at Blenheim Palace, for visitors.
