Music festival Tomorrowland has been fined €727,000 for not using reusable cups this past summer, confirmed the Belgian Environment Department on Wednesday.
The total amount is divided into two parts. The first part, referred to as the "advantage removal penalty," is €700,000. The remaining €27,000 is the actual fine.
The "advantage removal penalty" is calculated to negate the financial benefit gained by not complying with the legislation. This aims to create a level playing field for all festivals.
Tomorrowland, unlike other festivals, chose not to fully switch to reusable cups this year despite the legal requirements. The festival cited the need to use up their existing stock of disposable cups and mentioned practical issues with reusable cups.
In the past, Tomorrowland also noted that many festival-goers like to take reusable cups home, which presents a problem. Next year, the festival will fully transition to reusable cups.
Tomorrowland still has the option to appeal the decision.
