Take part in the 5 day challenge
Join thousands of others for World Refill Day
From Monday 16 June to Friday 20 June, we’re inviting YOU to take part in a fun and impactful challenge to reduce single-use waste.
Whether you’re flying solo, teaming up with your mates, getting your workplace involved, or inspiring your followers – the #5DayChallenge is for everyone.
Pick your swap(s). Do it for 5 days. Show others how they can reduce waste too.
Are you in?
Join the #5DayChallenge
It’s simple: for five days, from Monday 16 June to Friday 20 June, try a new way to reduce single-use waste.
Small swaps can make a big difference – and by taking part, you’ll join a movement demonstrating that reuse and refill is easier than you think.
Sign up and receive everything you need to take part and practical inspirations and cheer up to get started.
How it works
Step 1 – Pick your swap(s)
Choose one thing to do for 5 days or try a new thing each day. We’ve included a list of ideas below to get you started.
Step 2 – Download the Refill Return App
Find places near you to top up your water bottle, refill your coffee cup, and use packaging-free options in stores. Available for free on iOS and Android – download it now and get started!
Step 3 – Share your SWAPS
Post your progress using #5DayChallenge, #WorldRefillDay and #MoreThanYouThink. Tag us @Refillhq to join the movement!
Whether you’ve got 10 followers or 10,000 – your voice makes a difference. Together, we’re building a world beyond disposables.
Swap inspiration to get you started
Get your takeaway lunch in a reusable box
Order your hot drink in a reusable
Pick online products delivered to your door
Refill your water bottle on the go
Borrow a returnable coffee cup
Choose bulk products to refill at home
try refillable bathroom options
Explore returnable homecare options
5 Day Refill Challenge: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 5-Day Refill Challenge?
It’s a simple but powerful way to take action against single use plastic pollution.For 5 days – from Monday 16th June to Friday 20th June – we’re asking you to swap out single-use items (like water bottles, coffee cups or cling film) and switch to reusables wherever you can.The goal? Show just how many everyday swaps are possible and inspire others to do the same.
What do I actually have to do?
Take part for 5 days, making just ONE swap is all that’s needed. BUT you are very welcome to make as many reusable swaps as you can.
Some easy starting points:
- Carry a refillable water bottle
- Use a reusable coffee cup or lunchbox
- Choose loose fruit & veg instead of plastic-wrapped
- Say no to plastic cutlery – bring your own
- Wrap snacks in beeswax wraps or containers
- There’s no pressure to be perfect – just give it a go and share your progress!
How can I get involved on social media?
- Post a daily pic or story of your reusable swaps
- Share your top tips or behind-the-scenes of your routine
- Film a short “what’s in my bag” reel of your reusable kit
- Use the Refill App to find places to refill on the go
- Instagram: @refillhq and @citytosea_
- Twitter/X: @refill and @citytosea_
- #MoreThanYouThink
- #WorldRefillDay
- #5DayChallenge
What if I forget one day or slip up?
No worries at all – progress, not perfection!
This is about building awareness and new habits, not guilt. One swap is better than none.
Do I need to download the Refill Return App?
It’s not essential, but it’s super helpful.
The free Refill Return app helps you find over 300,000 locations globally where you can refill water bottles, coffee cups, lunchboxes and more – on the go and without the waste.
What if I don’t have any reusable items yet?
Start where you are. Use what you’ve got.
Even an old jar can become a coffee cup, and tupperware works for takeaway! We’ll be sharing lots of affordable and creative tips during the challenge week too.
Can I do this with friends, colleagues or family?
Absolutely – the more, the better!
Start a group chat, set a team goal, or challenge your workplace to go single-use-free for 5 days. Every conversation helps grow the movement.
Can I get featured by Refill or City to Sea?
Yes! We’re looking out for standout stories, reels, TikToks, and creative ideas!
Make sure to tag us and use the hashtags so we can find and share your content across our channels!!
Where can I find resources to share?
We’ll be sending out a toolkit with shareable images, suggested captions, and tips before the challenge starts. You can also follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates you can repost.
Sign up to the challenge to get everything you need straight to your inbox.
Why does this matter, really?
Every minute, a truckload of plastic ends up in our oceans. Most of it is used once and thrown away.
By choosing to reuse – even just for 5 days – you’re showing that there’s a better way. And if enough of us do it we can spark real change.
Can you chip in to help us make a bigger splash?
We couldn’t run campaigns like World Refill Day without the support and generosity of our donators and sponsors.
Will you donate £25 to our World Refill Day campaign to help us make reuse second nature to stop plastic pollution?