About the service
What is Circular Cups for Community Events?
A service that lets small-scale, not-for-profit community events and festivals rent clean, reusable cups for hot or cold drinks and return them for washing at a nominal cost, instead of using single-use cups.
Who can use the service?
Small-scale, not-for-profit community events and festivals in the Southern Waste Region: the local authority areas of Carlow, Clare, Cork City, Cork County, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. If your event is elsewhere, get in touch and we can point you to a scheme near you.
What size cups are available?
Pint and half pint cups suitable for cold drinks and 12oz cups suitable for hot and cold drinks. Lids are also available for the 12oz cups.
Are the cups suitable for hot and cold drinks?
Yes, the reusable cups are designed for both hot and cold drinks.
Can the cups be branded?
No, the cups come in a standard design and cannot be customised with event or organisation branding.
Booking the service
How do I order the cups?
Click “Check Availability” to order online or if you need help or a written quote please email circularcups@irdduhallow.com
How many cups will we need?
The number depends on attendance, event duration, beverage sales, and expected return rates. We are happy to help you estimate the required quantity.
How does booking and payment work?
When you place a booking your card is authorised but not charged. The team reviews each request, typically within one working day. Once approved, the payment is taken; if a booking can’t be approved, the hold on your card is released in full.
What does it cost?
Reusable cups are hired by the crate rather than per individual cup. The hire charge includes a refundable deposit, which is returned in full where all cups, lids and crates are returned undamaged. Where losses or damages occur, the deposit may be partially or fully retained to cover missing or damaged items. Where applicable, a separate delivery and collection charge applies. Current hire rates, deposit amounts and delivery charges are available under “Check availability” and may be revised as the scheme is reviewed.
Running an event
How do visitors use the cups on the day?
Grab a cup at the bar or collection point. When buying the next drink, return the used cup and get a fresh one. On the way out, drop the last cup back to the bar or a collection point, and if a deposit was charged, it will be refunded.
How do we encourage people to return their cups?
By taking a deposit but also through clear signage, volunteer engagement, reward schemes, and awareness campaigns before and throughout the event can help achieve high return rates.
Do visitors have to pay a deposit?
We recommend event organisers charge a one-off refundable deposit to encourage cup returns and offset the costs incurred as a result of any cup losses or damages. Visitors get the deposit back when they hand in their last cup.
How are the cups collected during the event?
Event organisers need to set up staffed collection points, return bins, or designated drop-off stations to collect the cups.
Returning cups after an event
What happens to the cups after the event?
All cups and lids (where applicable) must be returned in the crates in which they were delivered. For small orders involving only a limited number of crates, the crates will be collected directly by the courier. For larger orders, the organiser may be required to secure the crates onto a pallet for collection. IRD Duhallow will advise in advance whether palletising is required.
What happens if cups are not returned or are damaged at the event?
We encourage event organisers to charge a substantial deposit for the cups to encourage visitors to return the cups and to cover any lost/damaged cups financially.
Still have a question?
Contact the Circular Cups team and we’ll be happy to help you plan reuse for your event.