In July 2023, the picturesque town of Killarney, Ireland, made history by becoming the first in the country to ban all single-use coffee cups. This innovative move, part of the Killarney Coffee Cup Project, aims to reduce waste, preserve natural resources, and create a positive impact on the environment—and it’s already showing promising results.

Why This Ban Matters

Before the initiative began, Killarney residents and visitors disposed of around 23,000 single-use coffee cups weekly. That adds up to nearly 18.5 tonnes of waste annually, much of which ends up polluting Killarney National Park—an area known for its rich biodiversity. Recognizing the environmental harm caused by this unnecessary waste, local businesses decided to act. Over 45 hotels, cafes, and shops combined to eliminate disposable cups, replacing them with a reusable system.

@habitat.earthclinic ?☕ Killarney, Ireland leads the way by banning all single-use coffee cups, saving over 1 million cups annually! ?✨ Protecting forests, reducing waste, and creating space for wildlife to thrive. Let’s make reusables the new way forward—because small changes create big impacts! �TM�️ #Killarney #Sustainability #ZeroWaste #PlasticFree #EcoFriendly #GreenLiving #WildlifeProtection #ReusableCups #ProtectOurPlanet #IrelandNature �TM� original sound - habitat.earthclinic

Saving Trees, Protecting Wildlife

Switching to reusable cups reduces landfill waste and helps protect trees. By banning disposable cups, Killarney saves over 179 trees annually. With every tree spared, forests stay healthier, which means more habitat for local wildlife.

Killarney’s thriving forests are home to red foxes, deer, squirrels, robins, and herons, all of whom depend on these woodlands for shelter and food. A single saved tree can provide nesting areas for birds, food for small mammals, and a vital ecosystem for countless other creatures. Fewer disposable cups means more trees stay standing—and that’s good news for both the environment and the animals that call it home.

How the Reusable Cup System Works

The switch to reusable cups is simple and effective. Visitors and locals can either bring their own cup or borrow one for €2 through the 2GoCup system. When the reusable cup is returned to any participating business, customers get their deposit back. The initiative ensures that takeaway coffee prices stay the same, making the transition easy and affordable.

Cleaner Parks, Happier Wildlife

Killarney’s clean streets and litter-free parks are already a testament to the project’s success. The town’s efforts have significantly reduced waste, creating a more welcoming environment for people and wildlife alike. Local businesses have noticed a growing sense of community pride, and even visitors from abroad are adapting to the change, recognizing the importance of reducing single-use waste.

Leading the Way for Other Towns

Killarney’s success is inspiring other communities across Ireland to consider similar measures. With the introduction of Ireland’s Latte Levy, which places a small tax on disposable cups, more towns may follow Killarney’s lead in shifting toward reusable habits. The town’s example shows that small changes—like switching from single-use to reusable cups—can have a big impact on the environment.

A Future Where Wildlife Thrives

Every reusable cup, every saved tree, and every clean park brings us one step closer to a future where wildlife thrives. Killarney’s innovative coffee cup ban proves that communities can make a difference—not only for today but for future generations.

As we reduce waste and protect forests, we create more space for the red foxes, birds, and deer of Killarney’s parks to flourish. This initiative isn’t just about coffee—it’s about preserving nature and creating a world where people and wildlife live in harmony.

Kudos to Killarney!

Kudos to Killarney for leading the way, showing us that change starts with simple actions and spreads through communities. Will your town be next?

Useful Links

• 2GoCup Killarney Campaign – Discover how the reusable deposit system works and how it is changing coffee culture in Killarney.
• Killarney Coffee Cup Project Overview – Detailed insights into the initiative, including participating businesses and its environmental benefits.
• Killarney Today – Stay updated on the latest news about Killarney’s sustainability efforts and how they continue to lead the way in reducing waste.