The Last Cup, developed by Statieheld and Avans University of Applied Sciences, builds smart collection machines that help visitors return their cups with ease. During Military Boekelo, the team tested how well the machine functions and how strongly it motivates visitors to hand in their cups.

Visibility and proximity proved crucial: visitors are most likely to return their cups when the collection point is clearly noticeable and nearby. Rewards played a smaller role—environmental awareness and keeping the terrain clean were stronger motivators. Because recycle tokens were missing, the technology could not be fully tested, but several improvement points emerged, such as sensors that better distinguish cups and more precise alignment between the infrared sensor and the coin thrower. The test identified three types of visitors: intrinsically motivated, reward-driven, and indifferent.

Further tests will take place at other festivals using fully operational machines. The Last Cup is also working on better placement in key walking routes, stronger on-site communication, a revised reward mechanism, and technical optimisation. Collaborations with festival organisers will be expanded.

In collaboration with

Regieorgaan SIA, Sportinnovator, Military Boekelo, Statieheld & Avans Hogeschool