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Euronews
03-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Lisbon launches citywide reusable cup scheme to cut plastic waste
Every night, around 25,000 cups are used in Lisbon's entertainment areas. Although many cups are sold as "reusable", until now there was no system in place to ensure the effective collection, cleaning and recirculation of these containers. Through a new citywide reusable cup system, supported by a local deposit and return model, Lisbon has become the first European capital to implement an initiative that aims to combat plastic waste, reduce emissions and introduce a smart reuse model in the city's restaurant sector and bustling nightlife. The first return points operated by TOMRA have been in operation in two of the city's historic kiosks since 27 June. One in Praça de São Paulo and the other in Praça do Príncipe Real. Consumers receive their drinks in reusable cups upon payment of a deposit. This is fully refunded upon return, simply by touching their card or mobile phone to the collection point. Full implementation of the reusable cup system is scheduled for October 2025. The innovative partnership was made between the Lisbon City Council, TOMRA and the Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Services of Portugal (AHRESP). Policy with infrastructure The implementation of the system follows Lisbon City Council's 2024 regulation banning the use of disposable plastic cups - a bold measure that requires a robust infrastructure. With TOMRA's scalable technology and strong local buy-in, the city is aiming to make real progress on plastic waste. "Lisbon is committed to leading by example, promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and involving partners in a real change towards more conscious consumption habits," says Rui Cordeiro, Lisbon City Council's councillor for Waste and Circular Economy. "This is a concrete step towards building a culture of reuse in our city and inspiring other municipalities to follow suit." The participation of the catering sector is crucial to the system's success. AHRESP, Portugal's largest hotel and catering association, is supporting cafés, bars and nightclubs in integrating with this new reuse model. "This initiative represents a necessary change for the HORECA (hotel, restaurant, and café)sector, which is now playing an active and central role in the transition to a more circular economy," says Carlos Moura, chairman of the board of AHRESP. "The establishments gain not only a practical solution to respond to the new regulations, but also an opportunity to lead, with consumers, a sustainable and positive change of habits for the city of Lisbon." Live demonstration at MUDE The system was presented during the "Lisbon to Reuse" summit at the Museum of Design and Fashion (MUDE). Participants - including policy-makers, urban planners and environmental leaders - were able to experience how the system works, including the TOMRA return point and the reimbursement process. How does it work? Consumers receive drinks in reusable cups for a refundable deposit of €0.60. The cups can then be returned at TOMRA collection machines throughout the city. No registration is required - simply tap a card or mobile phone with contactless technology to receive the refund. TOMRA manages the logistics, sanitisation and redistribution of the cups, ensuring a continuous and efficient cycle By October, the city will introduce a standardised "Lisbon cup" for all participating bars and establishments in the central neighbourhoods, with 17 return points planned for the Baixa area.
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Popular European capital to get 14 ‘quiet zones'- and tourists can be fined up to £1,700 for being too noisy
Plus, the European city break with £1.66 beers – and it's just a few hours from the UK FINE FIASCO Popular European capital to get 14 'quiet zones'- and tourists can be fined up to £1,700 for being too noisy A POPULAR European capital is introducing 14 'quiet zones' where tourists can get fined up to £1,700 for being too loud. Lisbon, Portugal, is introducing 14 new quiet zones across the city to try and curb noise levels. Advertisement 4 'Quiet zones' restrict noise in certain areas of the city Credit: Alamy 4 In total, there will be 26 'quiet zones' Credit: Alamy 4 The city will be overhauling it's 'noise map' Credit: Alamy According to a recent study, 13.6 percent of Lisbon's residents are exposed to noise levels above 65 decibels specifically due to traffic, reports Time Out. However, the city council is attempting to change that. Since 2014, the city has been working to manage its noise levels, including producing a noise map. The city already has 12 areas which are considered 'quiet zones' - where environmental noise should be not exceed 55 decibels during the day and no more than 45 at night. Advertisement According to DecibelPro, 55 decibels is equivalent to "a quiet home environment, a residential street, or a normal conversation between two people". And 45 decibels is equivalent to the noise of an average home or normal conversation. Lisbon Municipal Assembly has now approved an overhaul of its 2014 noise map that includes more than doubling the number of zones to 26 in total. Essentially, this means in 26 areas of the city, honking and loud music will not be allowed. Advertisement The quite zones fall under Lisbon's noise law, which is part of a overall noise management plan in the city. If noise is louder than the set limits for day and night, residents can report it through a dedicated noise hotline, which is served by the Municipal Police of Lisbon. Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches And for those who are found failing to comply with the law, they could receive a significant fine of up to €2,000 (£1,698.96). For individuals, the amounts can range from €200 (£169.90) to €2,000 (£1,698.96) and for companies or groups, fines are higher ranging from €2,000 (£1,698.96) to €18,000 (£15,290.64). Advertisement Repeat offenders may also face additional consequences including temporary suspension of the activity responsible for the noise. Councillor Rui Cordeiro confirmed that the city is also collaborating with the Port of Lisbon and the APA to address maritime and nightlife noise. A huge new £8billion airport is also due to open near Europe's cheapest city following record tourist numbers. Plus, the European city break with £1.66 beers – and it's just a few hours from the UK. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Popular European capital to get 14 ‘quiet zones'- and tourists can be fined up to £1,700 for being too noisy
A POPULAR European capital is introducing 14 'quiet zones' where tourists can get fined up to £1,700 for being too loud. Lisbon, Portugal, is introducing 14 new quiet zones across the city to try and curb noise levels. 4 'Quiet zones' restrict noise in certain areas of the city Credit: Alamy 4 In total, there will be 26 'quiet zones' Credit: Alamy 4 The city will be overhauling it's 'noise map' Credit: Alamy According to a recent study, 13.6 percent of Lisbon's residents are exposed to noise levels above 65 decibels specifically due to traffic, reports However, the city council is attempting to change that. Since 2014, the city has been working to manage its noise levels, including producing a noise map. The city already has 12 areas which are considered 'quiet zones' - where environmental noise should be not exceed 55 decibels during the day and no more than 45 at night. Read more on Portugal According to DecibelPro, 55 decibels is equivalent to "a quiet home environment, a And 45 decibels is equivalent to the noise of an average home or normal conversation. Lisbon Municipal Assembly has now approved an overhaul of its 2014 noise map that includes more than doubling the number of zones to 26 in total. Essentially, this means in 26 areas of the city, honking and loud music will not be allowed. Most read in News Travel The quite zones fall under Lisbon's noise law, which is part of a overall noise management plan in the city. If noise is louder than the set limits for day and night, residents can report it through a dedicated noise hotline, which is served by the Municipal Police of Lisbon. Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches And for those who are found failing to comply with the law, they could receive a significant fine of up to €2,000 (£1,698.96). For individuals, the amounts can range from €200 (£169.90) to €2,000 (£1,698.96) and for companies or groups, fines are higher ranging from €2,000 (£1,698.96) to €18,000 (£15,290.64). Repeat offenders may also face additional consequences including temporary suspension of the activity responsible for the noise. Councillor Rui Cordeiro confirmed that the city is also collaborating with the A huge Plus, the 4 Individuals could get fined up to £1,700 Credit: Alamy
The Sun
01-05-2025
- The Sun
Popular European capital to get 14 ‘quiet zones'- and tourists can be fined up to £1,700 for being too noisy
A POPULAR European capital is introducing 14 'quiet zones' where tourists can get fined up to £1,700 for being too loud. Lisbon, Portugal, is introducing 14 new quiet zones across the city to try and curb noise levels. 4 4 4 According to a recent study, 13.6 percent of Lisbon's residents are exposed to noise levels above 65 decibels specifically due to traffic, reports Time Out. However, the city council is attempting to change that. Since 2014, the city has been working to manage its noise levels, including producing a noise map. The city already has 12 areas which are considered 'quiet zones' - where environmental noise should be not exceed 55 decibels during the day and no more than 45 at night. According to DecibelPro, 55 decibels is equivalent to "a quiet home environment, a residential street, or a normal conversation between two people". And 45 decibels is equivalent to the noise of an average home or normal conversation. Lisbon Municipal Assembly has now approved an overhaul of its 2014 noise map that includes more than doubling the number of zones to 26 in total. Essentially, this means in 26 areas of the city, honking and loud music will not be allowed. The quite zones fall under Lisbon's noise law, which is part of a overall noise management plan in the city. If noise is louder than the set limits for day and night, residents can report it through a dedicated noise hotline, which is served by the Municipal Police of Lisbon. Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches And for those who are found failing to comply with the law, they could receive a significant fine of up to €2,000 (£1,698.96). For individuals, the amounts can range from €200 (£169.90) to €2,000 (£1,698.96) and for companies or groups, fines are higher ranging from €2,000 (£1,698.96) to €18,000 (£15,290.64). Repeat offenders may also face additional consequences including temporary suspension of the activity responsible for the noise. Councillor Rui Cordeiro confirmed that the city is also collaborating with the Port of Lisbon and the APA to address maritime and nightlife noise. A huge new £8billion airport is also due to open near Europe's cheapest city following record tourist numbers. Plus, the European city break with £1.66 beers – and it's just a few hours from the UK. 4
