Choose to Reuse stops 10,000 cups going to landfill
Douglas Chooses to Reuse
More than 10,000 single-use cups and lids have stayed out of landfill because of the landmark Douglas Chooses to Reuse project.
The Douglas Chooses to Reuse project was introduced 12 months ago in June 2025 with funding to start this trial provided by the Queensland Government.
The project, spearheaded by Boomerang Alliance, has rolled out a free reusable cup system across Port Douglas, providing customers with bright blue cups they can borrow and return for free at any participating cafe.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell said the Douglas Chooses to Reuse project had already delivered meaningful change in the community.
“The Douglas Chooses to Reuse project is a practical step toward cutting down single-use waste, helping to protect our environment and keep Port Douglas beautiful for generations to come,” Minister Powell said.
‘‘After just a year, it’s great to see the trial. And driven by local cafes, demonstrating that a reuse cup system can work.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the community response to this new initiative was 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,” Mr Kempton said.
“When local cafes, community organisations and residents choose the blue reusable cups, they’re helping the whole town build positive new habits. The system is designed to be as easy as possible.”
Customers ask for their takeaway coffee in the reusable cup, enjoy their drink, then return it to any participating cafe or one of the dedicated return pods located around town. The cups are commercially washed and sanitised and sent back out to cafes to be used again.
There are no sign-ups and no deposit – just use it and return it.
Australians use a mind boggling 4.4 million single-use coffee cups per day – that’s about 1.6 billion a year.
They’re only used for a few minutes on average, then discarded. Not readily recycled or composted, they often end up as litter or landfill.
Yet, before a takeaway coffee cup has even reached your hand, the environmental price is already very high, using up fossil fuel, paper and water resources, plus the carbon emissions resulting from its round-the-world production trip.
Boomerang Alliance Program Manager Kellie Lindsay said:
“It’s easy to feel powerless when thinking about the environment, but the truth is, you aren’t. Simply by choosing a reusable coffee cup each day, you can have a hugely positive impact.”
Since launching, the reusable cups have become a familiar part of daily life in Port Douglas. Many customers now ask for the cup directly and returning it has become a simple part of their routine.
Ms Lindsay said the response from the community has been strong.
“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.”
The bright blue cups are designed to be reused and washed hundreds of times. They’re also lightweight, easy to stack, and instantly recognisable.
Six local cafes are currently participating: Origin Espresso, The Surfy, Nourish, Toast Sandwich Bar and Café Ziva.
Owner of Origin Cafe, Neo Yang, said for 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.
“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.”
The project is led by Boomerang Alliance under its national Plastic Free Places program and is supported by Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), with funding from the Queensland Government.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the program reflects the values of the Port Douglas community.
“Council supports this program because it’s such a simple idea and has huge potential. Our community loves our environment, and this is a great way of showing it. It shows that we are doers, and we love our little community,’’ 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.”
Reusable systems like this are already operating successfully in other parts of the world, with Port Douglas now becoming the first in Queensland to test the model. The aim is to show that our cafes and their community can adopt a new, sustainable way to drink their coffee, in a way that works for everyone.
Tropical Tourism North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen congratulated the Boomerang Alliance on bringing the pilot coffee cup swap service to Port Douglas.
‘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.’
What locals and visitors can do:
● Ask for a free blue cup when ordering takeaway coffee
● Return the cup to any participating cafe or blue drop pod
● Encourage friends and family to choose reuse
For more information: www.plasticfreeplaces.org/douglas
