Automated Reusable Cup Returns at Large Summer Festivals: Smart DRS at Senecke leto

Senecké leto 2026 marked the 60th edition of one of Senec’s most anticipated summer events, traditionally opening the tourist season at Slnečné jazerá. The two-day festival brought visitors together for music, entertainment, a vibrant summer atmosphere, and performances by well-known Slovak and Czech artists. With thousands of people gathering in a compact event area over a limited time window, efficient beverage cup return management became an important part of keeping the venue clean, organized, and convenient for visitors.

Key outcomes

The Challenge

Large outdoor festivals generate significant volumes of beverage packaging within short periods of time. Organisers need convenient ways for visitors to return reusable cups while maintaining smooth operations across busy beverage areas.

At Senecké leto, thousands of visitors gathered to enjoy concerts and entertainment throughout the weekend. The organisers required a reusable cup return solution that could:

• simplify deposit handling;
• avoid queues at staffed collection points;
• provide an easy and intuitive return process;
• support high visitor traffic;
• encourage reusable cup returns;
• improve operational efficiency.

Managing reusable cups manually at large outdoor events can become resource-intensive, particularly during peak periods when visitors return multiple cups at the same time.

The Solution

Smart DRS deployed its automated reusable cup return system to support reusable packaging operations throughout the festival.

The solution combines:

• automated reusable cup return stations;
• AI-powered cup recognition;
• instant payment card refunds;
• reusable packaging return infrastructure;
• no mobile application requirement.

Visitors were able to return reusable cups quickly and receive their deposits directly back to their payment cards, creating a simple and frictionless experience.

Deployment Set-up

Smart DRS return stations were installed at the festival grounds and operated throughout the event. The system operated outdoors and demonstrated how automated return infrastructure can function effectively in a busy festival environment.

The return journey was straightforward:

1. Step
   Visitors purchased beverages served in reusable cups and paid a deposit.
2. Step
   After finishing their drinks, visitors brought cups to a Smart DRS return station.
3. Step
   The system automatically recognised eligible cups.
4. Step
   The deposit refund was processed instantly back to the visitor’s payment card.
5. Step
   Returned cups entered the collection stream and could be prepared for reuse.

Results and learnings

Over the course of Senecké leto, Smart DRS processed:

• 4,599 reusable cup returns;
• 1,845 return transactions;
• an average of 2.49 cups per transaction;
• peak activity around 23:00.

The deployment showed that visitors frequently return multiple cups at once, particularly after concerts and during late evening periods. Despite concentrated return peaks, the automated system continued processing returns efficiently.

The festival also demonstrated that automated reusable cup return systems are practical not only for major sporting events but also for large outdoor festivals and community events.

Operational benefits

For organisers, the deployment demonstrated several operational advantages:

• fewer manual cup return points;
• reduced staffing requirements;
• no cash handling for deposits;
• simple deposit recovery for visitors;
• smoother visitor experience;
• more efficient collection of reusable cups;
• real-time visibility into return activity and payment performance.

Automating the return process allowed organisers to focus resources on event delivery rather than manual refund administration.

Sustainability impact

Reusable packaging systems only achieve their environmental objectives when visitors can return packaging conveniently.

At Senecké leto, Smart DRS helped support circular event operations by:

• encouraging reusable cup returns;
• simplifying participation in reuse systems;
• enabling returned cups to re-enter circulation;
• reducing dependence on single-use beverage packaging;
• demonstrating scalable reuse infrastructure for festivals and public events.

Why this matters

Events do not need to be major international championships to benefit from automated reusable cup return systems.

Senecké leto demonstrates that reusable packaging infrastructure can operate successfully at:

• outdoor festivals;
• city events;
• public celebrations;
• cultural events;
• business events;
• community gatherings.

The deployment further strengthens the evidence that Smart DRS is a flexible reusable cup return solution suitable across multiple event formats and visitor volumes.

Frequently asked questions

Can automated reusable cup return systems work at festivals?

Yes. Automated return systems are particularly suitable for festivals where large numbers of visitors return cups within short periods.

Do visitors need an app to return reusable cups?

No. Visitors can return cups without downloading a mobile application.

Can deposits be refunded directly to payment cards?

Yes. Smart DRS supports instant payment card refunds.

Are reusable cup return systems suitable for outdoor events?

Yes. The Senecké leto deployment demonstrated successful operation in an outdoor festival environment.

What are the benefits for organisers?

Automated returns reduce manual handling, minimise cash administration, improve visitor experience and encourage higher cup return rates.

How does Smart DRS support reusable packaging systems?

Smart DRS provides reusable packaging return infrastructure that makes cup collection, deposit refunds and circular event operations easier to manage.

“Senecké leto was a great example of how flexible our automated collection points can be in real event conditions. We are very pleased to see that the system proves itself not only at sports events or long-term summer locations, but also at two-day events in smaller towns, where conditions such as weather, visitor behavior, and peak return times can vary significantly. From the functionality point of view, the deployment at Senecké leto was very smooth, and we were very happy to see strong satisfaction on the organizer’s side.”

Tomas Vincze CEO, Smart DRS

Related Sources

• Automated Reusable Cup Returns at Scale: IIHF U18 Championship Case Study
• Smart Return System for Reusable Cups
• How to Return Reusable Cups at Scale
• Instant Deposit Refunds: The Missing Link in Reusable Cup Systems
• Smart Deposit Return Scheme: A Smarter Way Forward for Circular Packaging