The 28,480 reusable cups returned at Grape Festival 2026 were processed through seven Smart DRS Dual stations. Mastercard supported direct cup deposit refunds to payment cards, and the app-free system operated throughout the two-day camping festival in Trenčín, Slovakia.
Throughout the festival, reusable cup returns formed part of the complete visitor journey—from daytime concerts and late-night programming to campsite movement and final departure.
On average, visitors returned 2.19 cups per transaction. The process remained simple and accessible, without requiring a dedicated application or prior registration.
Reusable Cups Returned at Grape Festival 2026: At a Glance
| METRIC | RESULT |
| Reusable cups returned | 28,480 |
Average cups per transaction | 2.19 |
Smart DRS deployment | 7 Dual stations / 14 return modules |
| Festival capacity | 30,000 visitors |
Reusable cup returns across the festival journey
Grape has a different visitor rhythm from an event built around a single closing peak. With an on-site campsite, daytime concerts and programming continuing late into the night, visitors move between stages, refreshment areas, campsite routes and exits over an extended period.
Reusable cup returns therefore form part of a continuous visitor journey – from daytime festival activity and late-night programming to campsite movement and final departure. The distributed Smart DRS setup gave visitors access to the same short return process at different points in that journey.
How visitors returned cups at Grape Festival
To return eligible reusable cups, visitors used a Smart DRS collection point and presented a payment card, mobile phone or smartwatch. After the system recognised and accepted the cups, the cup deposit was refunded directly to the payment card. No mobile app, account registration or QR-code scanning was required.
Seven Smart DRS Dual stations provided 14 return modules across the festival environment, making the same short return process available throughout the event.
Cup Deposit Refunds Supported by Mastercard
The cooperation between Smart DRS and Mastercard connected automated cup recognition with a familiar payment experience. The same payment card or NFC-enabled device used by a visitor could also be used to receive the cup deposit refund.
By removing the need for a dedicated application or prior registration, the return process remained accessible throughout the festival. Direct payment card refunds helped keep the experience simple and convenient, even when processing a high volume of reusable cup returns.
For event organisers, the deployment also provided a digital record of accepted cups and completed transactions. This created a clear overview of return activity while allowing festival staff to focus on other operational tasks.
About Smart DRS
Smart DRS develops technology for the automated collection of reusable and deposit-bearing packaging. Its solutions combine automated recognition, return infrastructure and payment integration to make returns convenient for visitors and measurable for organisers.
See how Smart DRS performs across festivals, sports events and other high-traffic environments in our case studies.
Explore our reusable packaging solutions or contact the team to discuss return infrastructure for your next festival, stadium or public event.
