What
is mug library
Born on Gumbaynggirr country, we reimagined coffee culture…
A growing network of cafes. Our town-wide library offers reusable mugs for free.
Forget your keep cup? We’re got you covered. Just look for the logo in the window.
You enjoy the coffee. We’ll do the dishes. That’s right; you don’t even have to clean it!
Return the mug later. Take your time bringing back the mug. Just return it to a participating cafe.
Our mugs are a shared resource. If you got a takeaway affogato from Bellingen Gelato you can drop off your empty mug at Hearthfire Bakery, or any other participating cafe.
why
mug library
Together, we’re flipping the script…
Save money: Rather than purchasing yet another keep cup – just borrow a mug.
Reduce emissions: Skip the fossil-fuel-laced disposable – embrace diversity with a unique mug.
Take the pressure off: Using our library keeps mugs out of landfill.
Support locals: Help your favourite cafe to stay in business – cut their costs on disposable packaging.
A local revolution
Bellingen is showing Australia what’s possible when a village comes together. From school kids to café owners, from baristas to charity shops, our community-led initiative has made deep inroads in our daily total of disposables. In June 2022 our town was dumping 2000 cups per day. Thanks to Mug Library we’re down to 1000 — and falling.
- Saskia Burmeister
How it works
Locate a Mug Library cafe
Choose your mug
Order your fave brew
Wander, sip, enjoy
Return mug anytime
Join the revolution
You’ve got options:
- Dine in & soak up the vibes
- Bring your own cup
- Borrow from the Mug Library
With Mug Library there’s no excuse for single-use
Powered by the people
Our mugs come from generous locals, op shops, and reuse centres. They’re adorable, unique, and always ready to help you skip the disposable. Got mugs to donate? Want to join as a business? Get in touch.
Participating Cafes
Look for the Mug Library logo in the window — from Bellingen to Urunga, Mug Library’s network is growing.
Thank you
To the local legends, baristas, business owners, students, and sustainability warriors making this dream a reality — we see you. Let’s keep building a coffee culture worth sharing.
And an extra shout out to Centre for Ecological Learning (CEL). Thank you for your ongoing support.