Fewer than a quarter of Dutch festivals use reusable cups despite ban

Although single-use plastic cups and packaging are prohibited, less than 25 percent of festivals are using reusable alternatives. The Netherlands Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), which conducted the study, called the findings “disappointing.”

In 2025, the ILT surveyed 70 “closed” festivals, meaning events with a set location and controlled entry. Only 24 percent of these festivals used reusable cups and packaging. The event sector has been legally required to use reusable cups since 2024, unless an exemption is requested.

Festival organizers seeking an exemption must register with the ILT beforehand, collect a high set percentage of packaging for recycling, and demonstrate that they meet this target, 80 percent in 2025. The ILT reports that these rules are often poorly followed.

The inspectorate says the key reason these rules are not followed is the absence of central oversight at events. Organizers and caterers focus on registering and supplying cups, while recyclers and service providers are responsible for collection, creating a gap in accountability.

Organizers are said to still have limited awareness of the regulations. As a result, the inspectorate began discussions with them and sent a letter to the relevant parties in early 2026. Later in 2026, the ILT plans to conduct another inspection of single-use plastic use.

Each year, the Netherlands holds several thousand closed events, such as festivals. In 2025, the ILT received 167 applications to use single-use cups. Closed events are estimated to use roughly 350 million plastic disposable cups per year.