Just tap, enjoy and return.
Let us call you.
How it works
No deposit. No app. Just Tap&Reuse.
1. Tap
Your customer orders and pays for their drink as normal. When the cup is placed on the counter an RFID sensor, hidden under the counter, detects the cup. The customer taps their card a second time on the Tap&Reuse POS terminal to link their card to the cup. No money is taken
2. Enjoy
The customer takes the cup and enjoys their drink in a far superior premium returnable cup. The customer drops their cup to a convenient collection point. If this is not completed within 7 days they are then charged £3, they now own the cup.
2. Return
As the collection point is emptied a member of staff scans the bin with an RFID reader (one click of a button) and all those cups are registered as returned. Job done.
Where it works
FAQ
Tap & Reuse is Circular&Co’s smart reusable cup system that replaces single use cups with durable, trackable cups that are returned, washed and reused again and again.
Customers receive a reusable cup instead of a single use one. After use, they return it to a collection point. Cups are then commercially washed and put back into circulation.
Our system and returnable cups are specifically designed for high-frequency return and reuse, supported by a structured collection and washing process that makes reuse simple for both venues and customers.
Rather than relying on single-use recycling, the focus is on keeping cups in circulation for as long as possible, significantly reducing waste at source and helping organisations move away from disposable culture.
With Tap&Reuse, customers aren’t charged upfront. Instead, they’re only charged a deposit if the cup isn’t returned within the agreed timeframe.
Most venues set this at around 7 days, but it can be tailored to suit the site or organisation. If the cup is returned to a collection point within that window, there’s no charge.
This approach keeps the experience simple and friction-free for customers, while still protecting the system and encouraging high return rates.
No. Our system has been designed to be simple and friction-free so no app is required for someone to borrow a cup. They will simply tap their card to borrow, and the QR code on the cup can be scanned so the customer knows when it needs to be returned by.
Cups are commercially washed to food safety standards, either on-site (if suitable facilities are available) or via an approved wash partner.
The process is designed to integrate into existing hospitality or facilities operations, ensuring cups are safely cleaned, dried and returned to circulation efficiently.
This depends on your footfall, service style and peak usage times.
Our team works with you to assess demand and recommend the right volume to ensure smooth service without over-ordering. The aim is to keep the system efficient and cost-effective.
The impact depends on your site size and usage, but replacing single-use cups with a reuse model can remove tens of thousands (or even millions) of disposable cups annually.
We can provide projected impact figures based on your current cup usage to support sustainability reporting.
Yes. Reuse systems are aligned with the direction of UK and EU policy, which increasingly prioritises reduction and reuse over single-use disposal.
Tap&Reuse helps organisations proactively move away from single-use dependence rather than reacting to future restrictions.
Implementation timelines vary depending on site complexity, but many venues can launch within a matter of weeks once volumes, logistics and responsibilities are agreed.
Our team supports the setup process to ensure a smooth rollout.
Yes. We provide onboarding guidance and operational support to ensure teams understand how the system works and feel confident managing it.
A member of our team will also be on-site during launch to support implementation, answer any questions and provide demonstrations where needed.
Clear communication and simple processes are key to strong return rates and a smooth rollout.
Yes. The system works effectively in high-footfall environments such as offices, stadiums, campuses, large events and festivals, with strategically placed collection points to maintain strong return rates.
Whether you’re operating a single venue or managing a multi-site estate, we tailor the model to suit you.
















