Imagine your customers sipping their coffee from unique mugs or upcycled jars, knowing they’ve avoided creating waste. A mug library isn’t just a sustainability initiative—it’s a community-driven solution that reduces environmental impact. 

By making reusables accessible and engaging, you’re championing a way of doing business that prioritises your community.

WHY A MUG LIBRARY?

Australians dispose of millions of single-use coffee cups every year. A mug library offers customers an easy way to opt for reusables, even if they forget to bring their own. Beyond reducing waste, it creates a culture of shared responsibility and highlights your leadership in sustainability. Plus it creates a talking point in your cafe. 

CHOOSING THE PERFECT FIT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

No two mug libraries are exactly the same. Here are three models to consider, each adaptable to different budgets and needs:

The classic mug library

• Source an eclectic mix of mugs from op-shops, staff contributions, or community donations.

• Add character with quirky, vintage, or branded mugs.

Stylish jar libraries

• Upcycle glass jars or invest in new ones for a sleek, practical solution.

• Pair with lids for spill-proof convenience and a polished aesthetic.

Reusable swap networks

• Purchase your cups from formal reusable swap networks for a streamlined process, standardised designs and professional-grade solutions.

• You also have the option to join the network, allowing cups to be swapped between any participating cafe. 

• Use our Reusable Swap Networks Guide to find the right fit for your needs.

  
  

STEP-BY-STEP SETUP

1. BUILD YOUR COLLECTION

Community contributions

• Invite customers and staff to donate mugs or jars via conversations, signage or social media.

• Create excitement with a catchy name and a clear goal, like collecting 100 mugs.

• Share the purpose of your initiative and how it reduces waste.

• Encourage donations by offering incentives, such as discounts or free coffees.

• Recognise donations with a “Wall of Thanks” or social media shout-outs.

• Repeat when you run low on mugs.

Op shop excursions

• Visit second-hand stores to find unique mugs while supporting local charities.

2. PREPARE YOUR LIBRARY

• Check for any cracks, chips, or defects that may make items unsafe.

• Remove labels from jars or mugs and clean them thoroughly.

• Consider adding a small logo or mug tag to unify the collection and promote returns.

3. SHOWCASE YOUR LIBRARY

• Use shelves or racks for open storage, grouping by size, colour, or style.

  • Incorporate signs to guide customers, such as "Quirky Finds" or "Classic Favourites."

  • Add decorative elements like plants, fairy lights, or rustic wooden crates to create a welcoming and attractive display.

  • Regularly refresh the arrangement by rotating mugs or highlighting unique donations to keep it engaging.

• Place your mugs or jars front and centre to catch customers’ attention.

• Use creative signage to explain the process and promote sustainability. For free printable posters, click here.

KEEPING THINGS RUNNING SMOOTHLY

Washing and storage

• Set up a designated return area for used items.

• Establish a routine for cleaning and restocking the library.

  
  

Build a culture of trust

• Operate on a trust-based system to encourage goodwill. This works best with cafes who have a strong, loyal following. 

• Introduce a loyalty card system, offering stamps or discounts when customers return their borrowed mugs or cups.

• Use signage and social media reminders to prompt customers to return items.

• Thank customers for bringing the cups back. A little appreciation encourages loyalty.

INCREASE YOUR IMPACT

Social media buzz

• Share stories of mug donations, op shop visits, and your environmental impact.

  Encourage customers to post their mug library experiences and tag your business.

• Feature testimonials and success stories to motivate participation.

• Use engaging hashtags to build awareness and attract new participants.

  
  

Customer engagement

• Use your mug library as a conversation starter to inspire other sustainable habits.

• Offer limited-time promotions for customers who frequently use the mug library.

Partnerships

• Collaborate with local businesses or makers to create jar sleeves or sell custom mugs.

• Team up with nearby cafes or organisations to expand your mug library network.

Your mug library isn’t just a way to reduce waste—it’s an opportunity to reimagine everyday habits and redefine your business. With creativity, commitment, and community at its core, this initiative can inspire a more sustainable future—one cup at a time.

REAL LIFE INSPIRATION

Tiny Coffee - Dunsborough

"We started with 8 mugs, then we had to upgrade. And now if it's a busy summer day we can restock that and go through quite a lot. The biggest challenge is definitely explaining to people that they're borrowing it - they take it home they have to return it clean".

Sonder Coffee - East Victoria ParK

"It takes a little bit of gaining confidence, especially speaking to people you don’t know and telling them that this is what they have to do. I sometimes get my staff to overhear me take an order where I say that, and then they might go "OK I know how to word it now" or like" I don’t feel as pushy saying it like that and giving them the other option".

Harlequin Dessert - Margaret River

"Everyone comments on how beautiful the mugs are, and how nice it is to drink from them. I think it goes a long way towards encouraging people to do the right thing because it doesn’t feel like they are giving something up".

Hanks Corner - North Perth

“We’ve had a lot of donations for the mug library. I've got some from the salvos as well, but we’ve got a lot of people who unsurprisingly have spare keep cups knocking about in the back of their cupboards. Having all the mugs and cups, people actually find it adds an element of excitement, you don’t really know what you’re going to get".