Reusable Cups Save Packaging Waste
A pilot scheme that could prevent the use of 30,000 single-use cups has been launched in Cardiff. Cafes across the city are taking part by supplying customers with a reusable cup for takeaway drinks. The cups can be returned to any participating café for washing and reuse.
Customers simply download a Refill app and scan a QR code when they borrow a reusable cup. If they return it within a fortnight, there is no charge for the service.
Can Reusable Cups Make a Difference?
The reusable cups pilot is due to run until March 2025 and results will be evaluated by Cardiff Business School and Greenwich Business School. If it provides evidence of customer engagement, reduced packaging waste and cost-effectiveness, we could see the idea rolled out in other UK communities.
At present, around 2.5 billion single-use cups are used each year in the UK. The majority are not collected or recycled. Therefore, a collaboration to change buyer habits could have a significant impact. They still get the same great coffee, tea or hot chocolate, but just need to remember to drop off the container.
