World Refill Day
June 16
About World Refill Day
World Refill Day is a global day of action to prevent plastic pollution and accelerate the shift to reuse and refill systems. Coordinated by UK environmental charity City to Sea, the day takes place each year on 16 June. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday 16 June.
What is World Refill Day?
World Refill Day is a global awareness day spearheaded by City to Sea, an award-winning UK-based environmental charity working to stop plastic pollution at source. The day asks individuals, businesses, and policymakers to choose reuse over single-use, whether that means refilling a water bottle, bringing a reusable cup to the coffee shop, or shopping at a packaging-free store. It sits alongside the Refill app, which now lists hundreds of thousands of free water refill points across more than 30 countries.
When is World Refill Day?
World Refill Day is held on 16 June each year. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday 16 June. City to Sea also runs a five-day reuse challenge from Monday 15 to Friday 19 June, encouraging participants to swap a single-use item for a reusable alternative each day.
Why World Refill Day Matters
An estimated 8 to 12 million tonnes of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year, much of it from single-use packaging that is used for minutes and persists for centuries. Globally, fewer than 10 per cent of plastics ever produced have been recycled, with the rest sent to landfill, incinerated, or leaked into the environment. Reuse and refill systems are recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme as one of the most effective ways to cut plastic pollution at source, and World Refill Day exists to make those systems mainstream rather than niche.
How to Get Involved in World Refill Day
The day is designed to be approachable, with everyday actions that add up to system-wide change:
- Take the 5-Day Challenge – Sign up at refill.org.uk and commit to one reuse swap a day from 15 to 19 June.
- Download the Refill app – The free app shows free water refill stations, reusable cup-friendly cafes, and packaging-free shops near you.
- Refill your water bottle – Carry a reusable bottle and top it up at a Refill station rather than buying bottled water.
- Bring your own coffee cup – Many UK chains offer a discount when you bring your own cup, often 25p or more per drink.
- Shop at a refill store – Bulk-buy stores let you bring containers for staples like rice, pasta, oats, and cleaning products, removing packaging entirely.
- Run a workplace refill audit – Swap bottled water in meeting rooms for jugs, install a free water refill point, and replace single-use stationery.
- Lobby for policy change – Support City to Sea’s campaigns for legally binding reuse targets and a deposit return scheme.
History of World Refill Day
City to Sea was founded in Bristol in 2015 by Natalie Fee, a campaigner alarmed at the volume of plastic pollution reaching the River Avon and the Severn Estuary. The charity launched the Refill scheme that same year, partnering with cafes and businesses to offer free water refills and tackle plastic bottle waste. The scheme grew quickly: within five years it had spread to thousands of UK locations and inspired international partners.
World Refill Day evolved out of National Refill Day, a UK-only campaign that City to Sea ran from 2018. As the Refill app expanded internationally, the campaign was rebranded as World Refill Day in 2021 to reflect its global reach. Partners now include large brands such as Ecover, Brita, and SodaStream, alongside grassroots community groups, schools, and councils. Each year the campaign sets a clear policy ask, ranging from a strong UN Plastics Treaty to mandatory reuse targets in retail.
Noteworthy Facts About World Refill Day
- City to Sea is a Bristol-based environmental charity founded in 2015 by Natalie Fee.
- The Refill app lists hundreds of thousands of free refill points across more than 30 countries.
- The first international World Refill Day took place in 2021, building on UK-only Refill Days from 2018.
- Globally, fewer than 10 per cent of plastics ever produced have been recycled (UNEP).
- Refilling a reusable water bottle once a day for a year saves around 365 single-use bottles per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Refill Day?
It is a global day of action to prevent plastic pollution by encouraging people to choose reuse and refill over single-use packaging.
When is World Refill Day in 2026?
Tuesday 16 June 2026.
Who organises World Refill Day?
UK environmental charity City to Sea, which also runs the Refill app. Local partners host events in over 30 countries.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing World Refill Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #WorldRefillDay and #RefillRevolution on social media. The more people who switch to reuse, the bigger the impact on plastic pollution.
Related Awareness Days
- Second Hand September – A month-long pledge to buy nothing new, championing reuse and circular fashion.
- Organic September – Promotes more sustainable food and farming, often pairing with reuse messaging.
- World Biodiversity Day – Highlights the threat plastic pollution poses to wildlife and marine ecosystems.
Links
- Visit the official World Refill Day page on Refill.org.uk
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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