Tomorrowland opts for reusable, smart cups after multi-million-dollar fine

Following the €727,000 fine imposed in 2024 for violating Belgian environmental legislation, the electronic music festival Tomorrowland has implemented a new system of reusable, "smart" cups, with the aim of reducing its environmental impact and complying with current regulations.

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Since June 2023, the use of disposable cups at large events in Belgium has been banned. Although exceptions were previously granted to large festivals such as Tomorrowland, for its 2024 edition, authorities accused the organizers of "deliberately ignoring" the regulations, resulting in a heavy fine from the Department of the Environment.

To prevent further violations, the festival, one of the largest in the world in its category, this year implemented reusable cups that incorporate a chip with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. These containers are linked directly to the attendee's wristband when ordering a drink. At the end, the cup can be returned to the collection points, where the chip is scanned and the deposit is automatically refunded to the user's account or wristband.

" We want the cups to be used as long as possible ," festival spokesperson Debby Wilmsen explained to Le Soir. The return containers are made of wood, and the system has previously been tested at events such as the 'Brussels Palace Open Air' concert series.

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According to the organizers, this mechanism streamlines recycling logistics and promotes more responsible consumption within the festival. It is estimated that the system will allow up to 500,000 cups to be washed per day. However, it is not all praise. Flemish Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Jo Brouns, warned that RFID chips contain precious metals whose recycling can have an environmental impact. Still, Tomorrowland maintains that, given the high number of times each cup is reused, this impact is "insignificant."

Other festivals have opted for simpler methods, such as a one-euro deposit per reusable cup, which can be returned directly to the waiters. Despite this , Tomorrowland will continue to rely on its smart system , which, while reducing the use of single-use plastics, also involves high water consumption for washing and an increase in logistical travel between the event venue and cleaning centers.

In this way, the festival seeks a balance between sustainability, technological innovation, and regulatory compliance, amid growing environmental scrutiny of mass events.

EFE