Limerick leads the way with Circular Cups scheme for greener community events

LIMERICK City and County Council is playing a key role in a pioneering sustainability initiative aimed at eliminating single-use cups from community events and festivals across the region.

The newly launched Circular Cups for Community Events programme, developed by the Southern Region Waste Planning Office in partnership with local authorities, is the first initiative of its kind in Ireland and represents a significant step toward a circular economy at local level.

The scheme provides not-for-profit community groups with access to high-quality reusable cups, helping to drastically reduce waste generated at small-scale events.

This directly supports one of the key actions of Ireland’s National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy, which targets 20kg of reuse per person annually.

The initiative was officially launched by Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD, alongside representatives from local authorities across the Southern Waste Region and IRD Duhallow, who will operate the service.

Read More:  Local community safety partnership seek new members for Limerick divsion

Minister Dillon praised the programme as a strong example of community-led climate action, noting that it empowers local groups to take practical steps toward sustainability while setting a benchmark for the rest of the country.

The Southern Waste Region covers nine counties, including Limerick, and the reusable cup stock includes 12,000 pint cups, 9,000 half-pint cups and 7,000 hot and cold beverage cups, ensuring the system can cater for events of varying sizes.

For Limerick communities, the initiative opens new opportunities for sports clubs, schools, youth organisations, craft markets and local festivals to reduce their environmental footprint without added complexity or cost.

Clean cups are delivered to event locations, collected afterwards and professionally washed at a dedicated facility, with each cup designed for up to 300 reuses.

Helen Kenneally, environmental awareness officer with Limerick City and County Council, said the programme offers a practical solution for local organisers eager to make greener choices.

“By removing the reliance on disposable cups, this initiative allows community groups to significantly reduce waste while keeping events affordable and accessible.

Limerick City and County Council is proud to support the rollout and is actively encouraging uptake across the county,” she said.

Organisers will contribute only to transportation and washing costs, with a small deposit included to account for potential losses.

The booking system is now live, with reusable cups available for eligible events.
While the long-term ambition is a national rollout, the programme’s initial regional focus allows its impact to be measured locally, positioning Limerick at the forefront of sustainable community events.

Further information and bookings are available through Mywaste.ie Ireland’s online guide to managing waste sustainably.

-Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme