The City of Brussels has adopted a regulation to govern the use of packaging at events held in public spaces.
This regulation mandates the use of reusable solutions and sets out the obligations for organisers to reduce waste and develop reuse systems.
From 1 September 2026:
The use of disposable cups is prohibited, regardless of the material.
Reusable cups will be mandatory.
Organisers must guarantee a minimum return rate of 90% and be able to provide the relevant data.
Organisers must set up a comprehensive reuse system.
This system must provide for:
- the provision of reusable packaging (cups or tableware for participants)
- their collection and return (recovery of packaging after use)
- their cleaning (for the next cycle of use)
- their reuse (during or after the event)
It is not enough simply to provide packaging: its reuse must be effectively organised.
How do you set up this system?
Cans and PET bottles are only permitted if a system is put in place that guarantees the separate collection of at least 95% of the packaging.
In other words: PMD sorting must be highly efficient.
They are prohibited in supply zones at sporting events.
Their sale and distribution will be prohibited during events from 1 January 2030.
The reuse of food packaging is not yet mandatory.
However, the City encourages organisers to start testing solutions now.
An extension of the obligations may be envisaged by 2028.
- Municipal regulations - Reuse of packaging at events (179.59 KB) (in French)
- Summary of the regulations (soon available)
