A reusable cup trial in Port Douglas has kept more than 10,000 single-use cups and lids out of landfill in its first year, in what is the first initiative of its kind in Queensland.
The Douglas Chooses to Reuse project, introduced in June 2025, provides a free reusable cup system across the town. Customers can borrow bright blue cups from participating cafes and return them to any venue or designated return pod, with no sign-ups or deposit required. The cups are commercially washed, sanitised and recirculated.
The system is designed to be as easy as possible, with customers asking for their takeaway coffee in a reusable cup, using it, and returning it to any participating location.
Australians use around 4.4 million single-use coffee cups each day, or about 1.6 billion a year. Typically used for only a few minutes, these cups are not readily recycled or composted and often end up in landfill or as litter. The production of takeaway cups also consumes fossil fuels, paper and water, and generates carbon emissions through global supply chains.
The trial is funded by the Queensland Government and led by Boomerang Alliance under its Plastic Free Places program, with support from Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the project is “a practical step toward cutting down single-use waste”. He said, “After just a year, it’s great to see the trial … driven by local cafes, demonstrating that a reuse cup system can work.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the response had been encouraging. “I recently visited the Douglas Community Centre, and it was great to see them taking part in this initiative to help protect Port Douglas’ stunning natural environment,” he said. “When local cafes, community organisations and residents choose the blue reusable cups, they’re helping the whole town build positive new habits.”
Boomerang Alliance program manager Kellie Lindsay said the initiative is becoming part of everyday routines. “Simply by choosing a reusable coffee cup each day, you can have a hugely positive impact,” she said.
“One of our goals for this program was for the community to make it part of their everyday life. And we’re starting to see that happen now. It shows that people can and will use the system, and that it can be possible for other communities as well – and even a state-wide system. That’s something we’d love to see.”
Since launching, the reusable cups have become a regular feature in Port Douglas, with customers increasingly asking for them and returning them as part of their routine.
The bright blue cups are designed to be reused and washed hundreds of times. They are lightweight, stackable and easily recognisable.
Six local cafes are currently participating: Origin Espresso, The Surfy, Nourish, Toast Sandwich Bar and Café Ziva.
Neo Yang, owner of Origin Espresso, said the program had been well received. “For us at Origin Espresso, being part of the program has been a very positive experience. Customers have been supportive, and it’s helped start more conversations about sustainability within the community,” he said.
“It’s been great to see the program gradually becoming part of the Port Douglas community. Many local cafes and businesses are taking part, and customers are happy to return the cups, which shows people really care about the town and the environment.”
“As a tourist town, it’s encouraging to see the local hospitality community working together on a practical way to reduce single-use waste. Visitors are often very interested when we explain how the system works.”
Douglas Shire mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the program reflects local values. “Council supports this program because it’s such a simple idea and has huge potential,” she said.
“Port Douglas is only small in size, but we are very serious about our sustainability and protection of our environment. So, this is a great program to show all that.”
Tropical Tourism North Queensland chief executive officer Mark Olsen encouraged wider participation. “I encourage cafes to get onboard to help visitors and locals do their bit for the environment in the only place where two World Heritage areas meet,” he said.
Reusable cup systems are already operating in other parts of the world. Port Douglas is the first in Queensland to trial the model, with the aim of showing it can be adopted more broadly.
