Why Do We Need Coffee Cup Reuse Network?

Our objective is to demonstrate that an open-loop, reuse network will succeed and also provide a healthier and more sustainable model for take-out beverages than the current linear make-take-waste model of disposable cups.

CORC will pilot the Coffee Cup Reuse Project in mid 2024 and establish a network of participating coffee shops by year-end.

Central Ohio has over 90 independently owned coffee shops. With even modest participation, this program will divert thousands of disposable coffee cups from landfill, reduce litter, and lay the foundations for a circular economy. *

Single use containers have a huge negative impact on the environment. Did you know that Americans use over 130 million disposable cups per day?



* A Circular Economy minimizes waste and promotes sustainable use of natural resources through smarter product design, longer use, reuse, and regenerating nature.

More on Reuse Networks

A cup reuse network is similar to a library. Customers borrow cups whenever they order a carry-out drink from a participating shop. When they want another drink, they bring their used cup to a participating shop, and receive their drink in a cleaned and sanitized cup.

• Every reuse keeps single-use items out of the environment!
• Shops clean and sanitize cups.
• QR code scans measure environmental impact and help to manage inventory.
• Typically a small initial fee to join the network; optional phone app.
• Discounts for early adopters!

What About Recycling & Composting?

Recycling and composting is great, but reuse is vastly superior to recycling or composting in terms of environmental impact, long-term cost, and health impacts.

• Currently, only 5% of single-use plastic is recycled.
• Most recyclable plastic foodware items are made from virgin plastic, creating more CO2 emissions from the petroleum base and even more plastic in the environment.
• Composting only works in commercial composting facilities
• Many compostable foodware items have PFAS coatings that are harmful to our health.
• Plastic pollution is increasing exponentially, and the volume of production is forecast to increase four-fold by 2050.
• Microplastics are a serious health concern.
• Recycling and composting alone cannot solve the plastic crisis!

Cool! How Can I Get Involved?

Whether you are a coffee aficionado, work in a coffee shop, own a coffee shop, or just care about a clean environment and healthy families, we'd love to hear from you!

Click below to start a discussion.