Regis University in Denver has launched a deposit-and-return reusable cup system in partnership with 2GoCup to replace single-use cups.
The initiative marks a shift toward circular economy practices in higher education. By removing disposable plastics and papers from campus cafes, the university aims to reduce its environmental footprint and promote long-term sustainability among students and staff.
Regis University is the first university in the U.S. to adopt the 2GoCup system [2]. The program operates on a simple exchange model designed to discourage the use of throwaway containers. Under this system, users pay a $2 deposit for each reusable cup they receive [1].
To recover the deposit, users return the cups to designated return stations located across the campus. This cycle ensures that cups are collected, cleaned, and reintroduced into the system for future use. The process is intended to make sustainable habits seamless for the campus community, removing the need for individuals to carry their own permanent reusable mugs.
This transition focuses on eliminating single-use waste at the source. By implementing a financial incentive through the deposit model, the university encourages a higher rate of return and ensures the longevity of the reusable inventory. The partnership with 2GoCup provides the infrastructure necessary to manage the logistics of collection and sanitation at scale.
“Regis University is the first university in the U.S. to adopt the 2GoCup system”
The adoption of a deposit-and-return system at a major U.S. university suggests a move away from individual-responsibility models, such as 'bring your own bottle,' toward institutional infrastructure. If successful at Regis, this model provides a scalable blueprint for other campuses to eliminate thousands of tons of single-use waste through a managed circular loop.
