Imagine walking into a café with your favorite reusable cup. In New South Wales, Australia, cafés will have to accept customers’ clean reusable cups from January 1, 2028. This rule will apply when people order takeaway drinks that would normally come in single-use cups. Cafés will not be allowed to charge an extra fee simply because a customer uses a personal cup. (epa.nsw.gov.au)

However, customers also have responsibilities. Their cups must be clean, safe, and suitable for hot or cold drinks. A café can refuse a dirty or damaged cup because it may create a hygiene risk. The owner of the cup is responsible for keeping it clean. (foodauthority.nsw.gov.au)

The new rule is part of a wider plan to reduce plastic waste. Nearly 800 million single-use cups are used in New South Wales each year, and many are thrown away after only a few minutes. From 2028, single-use takeaway cups will also need to be recyclable. However, they will not be completely banned. Customers who forget their reusable cups will still be able to buy takeaway coffee. (nsw.gov.au)

The government originally planned some stronger rules. For example, cafés were going to be required to offer mugs or glasses to customers drinking inside. There was also a plan for businesses to join reusable cup programs. On October 28, 2026, the government dropped these requirements after hearing concerns from small businesses. Cafés will not have to buy extra cups or join such programs, but they must accept clean cups brought by customers. (epa.nsw.gov.au)

This change may seem small, but it could make reusable cups a normal part of daily life. If customers remember to bring clean cups, they can enjoy their coffee while producing less waste.