Reusable vs disposable cups for events: what do they really cost?
By Kirsty Cook, Govino SA · Updated · 2 min read
Short answer: Disposables are cheaper for a single event, but if you host regularly, run a venue or hire out drinkware, reusable Tritan glasses cost less per drink within a few events. They also remove the litter and waste-removal cost and give guests a glass-like experience. Govino supplies reusable glasses in bulk, with optional logo branding.
How to work out the cost per use
Cost per use = (price of the glass + washing cost per use) ÷ number of uses. A disposable is used once, so its cost per use is simply its price, every time. A reusable glass spreads its price over every event it serves.
A worked example
Say you host 6 events a year with 200 guests, and each guest uses 2 cups at a disposable event.
| Disposable cups | Govino reusable | |
|---|---|---|
| Units needed | 2,400 a year (200 × 2 × 6) | About 250 glasses once (with spares) |
| Bought again next year? | Yes | No; top up losses only |
| Waste | 2,400 cups to landfill | Minimal |
| Washing | None | Dishwasher or wash station |
| Guest experience | Party cup | Glassware |
| Branding | Reprinted every batch | Logo glasses guests remember |
Plug in your own disposable price per cup and our per-glass price: wholesale by the case, Wine is R80 a glass (R68 from 5 cases) and Can is R95 (R80 from 5 cases). See full price guide. Most regular hosts find reusable pays for itself in the first season.
What about losses and theft?
Some glasses walk. Venues manage this with a refundable deposit per glass or by selling branded glasses as souvenirs. Branded glasses that go home with guests become marketing.
Planning a festival, wine farm or venue setup? Wholesale pricing starts at R80 a glass by the case (minimum order R2,000). Download the wholesale catalog (PDF) or contact our wholesale and events team.
Quick answers
Are reusable cups cheaper than disposable cups?
Over multiple events, yes. A reusable glass is bought once and used hundreds of times, while disposables are bought for every event.
How do festivals stop reusable glasses being taken?
Deposit schemes, or selling branded glasses as souvenirs so they become marketing.
What is the best reusable wine glass for events in South Africa?
Govino Shatterproof Wine: Tritan, shatterproof, dishwasher safe, stocked in South Africa and available with your logo from 42 glasses.