The main reusable project options recommended for small local clubs include:Mug librariesA mug library is a range of cups and mugs that you serve beverages to your customers in. They are usually second hand, but you can source new items. At the beginning of service, set your cups up on a shelf or table for customers to select a mug and bring it to you for their drink. When they are finished, they return the mugs to a return point - usually a plastic tub. At regular intervals, you collect the cups/mugs, wash and sanitise them, and place them back out for customers to use again.For step-by-step instructions on how to set up and operate a mug library, take a look at our Mug Library Guide. Reusable swap systemsReusable takeaway systems are customer borrowing programs - sometimes based around a deposit system. You can provide any type of reusable cup or container; reusable hot cups with lids are a great place to start. Reusable takeaway containers also work well if you serve a high volume of snack food.Have a stock of cups and/or containers behind your cafe/restaurant counter, charge your customers a deposit and serve their beverage or food in the reusable cup or container. When customers are finished, they return the reusables to you to receive their deposit back.You may decide to run your system without a deposit and have customers return their cups to a dedicated return station/deposit point instead. Collect the cups and/or containers at regular intervals, wash and sanitise them, and use them again.Take a look at how the team at Harlequin Dessert manage their cup swap system.Dine-in reusablesThis option centres around replacing disposable packaging for reusables for your dine-in cafe offerings. Swaps include simple and affordable options like mugs and glasses, ceramic plates/bowls, stainless steel cutlery and condiment stations.Customers are served their food on reusables and they leave these on the table for your staff to collect, wash and sanitise, and use again.Hear how Red Gum BBQ made their dine-in switch to reusables in the video below.You may decide to start with one of these initiatives, and then move onto the others. You may also decide to make a switch that isn’t on this list. The choice is yours!Regardless of your project type, setting yourself up for success means getting the logistics right from the start. LogisticsThere are a number of considerations to make in the months leading up to your reusables project:Check local regulationsWork with your local council's Environmental Health Officers to find out what the health and safety standards are for your club. This will help you pick out a reusable solution that is both environmentally and socially responsible.Once you’ve selected your reusable initiative/s, submit plans for approval as required. This may involve outlining wastewater management, dishwasher installation (where applicable), utensil cleaning processes, and waste minimisation strategies. Talk to your suppliers earlyReach out to your suppliers to see what their reusable options are. You can use our Supplier Letter/Email Template to introduce yourself and propose a time to meet. You can also use the Supplier Communication Checklist to make sure you are addressing essential elements of your project with them. Both of these are available in the Downloads section below.Let them know about your project and how it will benefit them, including boosting their eco-friendly image.Talk to your staff earlyWork with your staff to develop a plan that works best for your club. How much time do they have to help with the project? What sort of additional resources will they need to assist with wash-up, sanitisation and storage of the reusables?Keep them informed at every step, especially once you have selected a reusable system. You will need to work closely with your staff to implement your reusable switches.Help staff to integrate the system into their operations and ensure they understand the processes, including cleaning and sanitising requirements. Think about washing logistics Wash-up is an essential element of reusable foodware systems. We will explore the logistics of wash-up stations later in this section of the guide but, to begin with, ensure you are considering:Do you have a location to wash your reusables? This could be inside your cafe’s kitchen.A potential workflow for collecting, transporting and returning items from your stock of reusables.Do you have an appropriate place to dry and store reusables? Staff movement and labour flowDo you have enough staff available to handle reusable stock movements?Consider the potential impact on staff during peak rush periods.

The number of reusable items you need depends on how many people purchase beverages or food during a typical service. For beverages, a good rule of thumb is to allow for around 2-3 reusable cups per customer. Be sure to include a few extra to account for losses and turnover.If you’re switching to reusable foodware and you have POS data, you can use this to calculate how many plates/bowls and cutlery you will need for a typical service. Alternatively, allow for 1 plate/bowl and set of cutlery per customer.Remember to account for your busiest times of the year and have enough reusables to cover these periods.Another important consideration is your wash-up system. If you have a commercial dishwashing system that you will be using throughout the service period, you may be able to reduce the total quantity of reusable items you need. If you will be washing up offsite or at the end of the day, you will need extra items to accommodate customers who consume multiple beverages or meals.

There are many different reusable systems available to you.Start by asking:What reusable items do you want to introduce? We recommend starting with reusable cups or mugs. Other potential swaps include water/drink bottles, food containers, cutlery, and thermoses for hot beverages. The same processes can be applied to these items.How far away do your customers travel to drink their beverages or meals? The type of reusable item you select will depend on whether people are moving around or staying in one place while they drink or eat. Lidded reusable cups and containers are better for larger distances; cold cups work well if you serve a lot of drinks during your games.What material would you like your reusables to be? Is durability the top priority for you, or are aesthetics also a consideration? There are many different reusable options available on the market. Our Reusable Swap Selector tool (below these FAQ's) has been designed to help you make the best choice for your club. This guide includes an interactive tool that you can use to select your reusable swaps. All you need to know is your durability preferences, estimated budget and daily customer rate. You can find it here.There are several important things to consider before purchasing your reusables:StorageWhere will you keep your reusables? You might be able to swap out your disposable storage with reusables.It’s important that storage areas are clean, dry and pest free.DurabilityDurability is particularly important for takeaway food and beverages.Choose commercial, high-quality, stackable items that can withstand repeated washing and use.MaterialStainless steel and high-quality plastic are good options for cold cups, takeaway hot cups and food containers.There are also ceramic and glass options on the market. Pick what fits your preferred style and practical needs.Size and shapeWhat size drinks do you typically serve at your venue? Ensure your cup selection matches your beverage offering.Shape is also an important consideration. There are a wide variety of cups available from pints through to wine glasses.If you are implementing a container system, consider whether plates, bowls or lidded containers will best match your food offerings. A note on branding. While you might like to brand your reusable items, consider the implications on stock loss if these are ‘souvenired’. A reuse pilot is taking place at the Grand Canyon where they will specifically not brand items in order to prevent stock loss. This has also been the experience of many other venues.To prevent this, it’s a good idea to offer branded reusable items for sale. This will reduce the risk of stock losses at the same time as building team spirit.Where to purchase reusable items:Reusable system specialistsThere are many organisations now that specialise in providing reusable cups and foodware.Some examples include Returnr, Re-vibes, Cercle, Devolver, Stack-Cup, Buttercup, Wosup, Green My Plate, Turn Systems, Wise, eCup, GO2CUP, TOMRA. Restaurant or packaging suppliersBuy reusable items in bulk for a lower price.Corporate sponsorsSome sponsors may fund or donate reusables in exchange for branding opportunities.Second-hand reusable itemsIf you don’t mind about whether your cups match, you might consider purchasing reusable items second-hand.You could also consider putting out a call to the local community for cup donations.Another important consideration is how you will wash-up your reusables. The section below covers wash-up options in more detail.Recouping costsThere are outlay costs involved with purchasing and/or hiring reusable cups and foodware, as well as replacement costs for broken and missing items.Some venues choose to pass on these costs to customers by charging them a deposit for their cups and/or containers. This extra charge helps to ensure that cups and containers are well cared for, and customers make every effort to return them.Deposits are refunded at the end of the experience when reusables are returned.

There are two essential processes involved in reusables wash-up: Cleaning Removes visible dirt, grease, and food waste. Sanitising Goes a step further by eliminating microorganisms to safe levels, achieved through hot water (77-80°C), or by the use of sanitiser sprays with 70% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. Both are crucial for maintaining health and hygiene. Under Australian food safety standards, reusable eating and drinking utensils must be cleaned and sanitised following the Food Standards Australia Guidelines for Cleaning and Sanitising Surfaces and Utensils.  To get started, decide which wash-up station will best suit your club. Generally, your options include: Solutions to wash-up onsite Utilise existing facilities (e.g., cafe kitchen) Solutions to wash-up offsite Utilise commercial kitchen facilities nearby to wash items Pay for dedicated wash-up service When choosing the best wash-up system for you, consider the following: Access to mains water Access to taps Storage capacity for both dirty and clean reusables You’ll also need to: Appoint a dedicated wash-up coordinator Choose someone in your team to manage the wash-up process from start to finish. They’ll liaise with caterers (where applicable) and oversee wash-up operations. Check local regulations Work with your local council's Environmental Health Officers to ensure your wash-up system meets health and safety standards. Submit plans for approval as required - this usually involves outlining wastewater management, utensil cleaning processes, and waste minimisation strategies. Manage wastewater Plan for how you’ll collect and dispose of wastewater. Work with local authorities to develop an environmentally responsible strategy that complies with regulations.

Before you implement your project, it’s important to plan how your reusables will be distributed, collected and redistributed. We’ve provided a Logistics Plan template in the Downloads below that you can use to document your process.DistributionThere are some important elements to consider with regards to distribution. Make sure you have enough reusable items to cover any variation in the number of cups or foodware you will need between peak times and quieter periods of the year, as well as any contingency you might need for stock losses.It is important that the materials and design of your selected reusables are compatible with your cleaning procedures and equipment. ReturnHaving return/deposit points for reusables ensures that items are returned efficiently. These can be as simple as bins or tubs, or they could be tables or trolleys. They can be placed outside your canteen window. Cups can then be collected from the return points by volunteers and taken to your wash-up facilities.Use clear signs to explain to customers how the system works and guide them to return points. Highlight the environmental benefits to encourage participation.Note that if washing up offsite, much of this still applies, except the dirty dishes are transported from the return points, and returned in lidded containers to the clean reusables storage area.Wash-upInfrastructure set-upYou will need to organise areas for dirty utensil returns, washing, and clean utensil storage. It’s important to keep clean and dirty utensils separate to maintain hygiene.Mechanical dishwashingThe mechanical dishwashing wash-up area should consist of the following:Commercial dishwasher and associated equipment (requires installation by a technician/plumber)Clean dish trolley for resupply of utensils to clean dish storage area and vendor clean dish baysHandwashingHand wash-up areas should consist of the following:Marquee with floor and walls – if using on-site cleaning and sanitising and no kitchen facilities are availableTrestle tablesHot water urn or kettles with water temperature thermometers Large double-sinks or tubsWaste-water disposal: appropriate storage/disposal options for your rinse/wash waterDrying racks in a fully enclosed areaThree tubs should be set-up in the following order:1st – rinse2nd – soapy clean with detergent3rd – rinse in high-temperature water (keep over 60°C) to sanitise, or add additional sanitising spray/s after rinsing if the water temperature is not maintained at high levelsBoth handwashing and mechanical wash-up methods will also require:Dirty dish return point, including:Marquee or undercover areaTub, bin or trolley for dirty reusables (clearly signed so it isn’t confused for clean dish storage)Trestle tablesHand-wash facilities with soap, water container (or hand-wash basin) and single-use hand-towels (i.e. tea-towels are not suitable for this task)Bin station including a waste bin, a recycle bin and a compost bin Scrapers and rinse tubs for scraping and rinsing utensils before washingWaste-water disposal: appropriate storage/disposal options for your rinse/wash waterBreakage kit including a stiff bristle outdoor broom, dustpan, and a-frame sign/s marked ‘cleaning in progress’Clean dish storage area that has sufficient shelf space, and is indoors, dry and pest-proof. You can also consider storing clean reusables in food-safe tubs with lids.If you are setting up a new wash-up system, see our Wash-up Station Set-up Checklist in the Downloads below to help you get started.

Staff will likely be required to help with distribution and wash-up of reusable items. Brief them on your plans, and provide them with clear instructions on their role - particularly those assisting with reusables collection and customer guidance.Ensure everyone handling reusables is trained in proper food safety procedures and the operation of dishwashing equipment.Our guide on how to talk to customers about your reusable switches goes into more detail about training staff and engaging with the community. Take a look at it here.

1. Develop a promotion strategyA promotion strategy will keep you on track when developing and distributing communications about your new reusable system.Keep it simple - include details about communication channels, release dates, and resources needed.There is a Promotion Strategy Template in the Downloads section below that you can use.2. Before your customers arriveYou can use promotional avenues - such as social media and booking platforms, to inform customers about your reuse initiatives before they visit your club.Be sure to emphasise the positive environmental and social impacts of their participation.Below are a few ideas on how to use specific promotional channels.Club roomsPut up posters and notices in your club rooms to let your members know about your reusable initiatives and encourage them to tell their friends and family.If your club has a newsletter (online or physical), include an article about your project. Social mediaUse social media, groups, and ads to inform potential customers about your sustainability commitments.Encourage customers to bring their own reusable items such as water bottles and coffee cups via Instagram, TikTok or Facebook posts.Highlight incentives like discounts, competitions, or free vouchers for those who take part in your reusable system.Share engaging content on the 'why' behind your waste reduction efforts (e.g., reducing marine pollution, avoiding litter, cutting down on waste etc.).Only show reusables on your social media content, avoiding single-use items.WebsiteInclude a page on your website about your club’s sustainability initiatives, specifically your reusable cups and/or foodware.Explain why and how you are going plastic free.Include any specific plastic-free goals and/or targets. Update your website with data that shows how you are tracking towards those goals.Include a case study about your plastic-free initiatives.Traditional mediaSend out a media release to the local newspapers/radio about your reusable project.Include a great image to give you the best chance of having your story picked up. 3. During their visitPromotion on-site can be used to achieve several things, including:Communicating where reusable facilities are located.Communicating how to use reusable systems and water refill stations.Reminding people that your sports club is a sustainable one.Below are a few ideas on how to use specific promotional channels.SignageUse signs and announcements to remind customers to return their borrowed reusables.Place visually effective signs around your club rooms to reinforce the plastic-free message.Include clear instructions on how to use your reusable systems, water refill and waste stations.Use engaging language and visuals to make your messaging noticeable.Ensure that sustainability communications are accessible to all customers, considering language diversity and disabilities. This might include multilingual signage or materials in braille.Highlight the impact they’re making by taking part.Staff as sustainability ambassadorsTrain staff to engage with customers and explain sustainability practices.Encourage positive interactions and provide guidance on answering any frequently asked questions you expect.Interactive engagementOrganise for announcements about your reusables initiative to be made over the loudspeakers during breaks on game day.If your club has member events, host activities or workshops that reinforce sustainability messages (e.g., presentations, sustainability quiz night).Use digital engagement tools like QR codes linking to sustainability tips.Capture customer engagement through social media by encouraging them to share their reusables using specific hashtags.Use mobile apps or webpages to provide interactive maps and highlight sustainability features like reusable foodware and water refill stations.4: After game dayIt’s time to celebrate your wins! A few ways to you can do this include:Post videos of your reusable system on social media. If you can do short interviews with customers and include snippets of what they had to say - even better!Compile any data you have around how much waste you have saved by going reusable and create social media posts about it.Be sure to update the sustainability page of your website with statistics around how much waste you’ve saved.

Now for the fun part - implementing your reusable foodware initiative!The work you completed during the planning phase of your project will help to ensure everything rolls out smoothly.Follow your Action Plan and Reusables Logistics Plan closely.

Establish a method to assess the effectiveness of your reusables project. Use this to set goals and track progress. Important elements to consider tracking include:Reusable stocks and losses of cups and foodware itemsHow often you are replenishing reusables/whether you are using your entire stockRegular waste audits and observational surveys to assess the success of your project