Reusable cups at a festival: despite the regulatory obstacles
Uzana Fest in Gabrovo runs a reusable deposit cup system for beverages, navigating significant regulatory challenges to make it work. Gabrovo received the EcoMunicipality 2024 award alongside Svilengrad in part for its consistent commitment to event sustainability. The festival shows that reuse at large outdoor events is achievable in Bulgaria even before the country has the supportive regulation that makes it easier elsewhere.
Where
- Uzana, Gabrovo area, Bulgaria (festival grounds in the Uzana reserve area; approximate pin at Gabrovo)
How to participate
- Festival attendees: use the deposit cup system: return the cup at the end to get your deposit back; this makes the whole system financially viable for the organiser
- Bulgarian festival organisers: contact Za Zemiata for guidance on implementing similar deposit cup systems within the current regulatory environment
- Advocates: Uzana Fest's success under challenging conditions makes it a compelling case for regulatory reform to make reuse the default
Source & repost
Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it.
- Lead: Uzana Fest organisers + Za Zemiata
- EcoMunicipality 2024: Gabrovo
- Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th edition