Across Greater Glasgow it is estimated that 95 million single-use cups are used every year. Despite 70% of people trying to recycle their cups, a lack of awareness and suitable facilities means most people failed to recycle their cups correctly.
To tackle the problem Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Cup Movement Campaign has partnered with Costa, Starbucks, McDonalds and Pret to highlight their existing in-store recycling facilities. The campaign will also state that using a reusable cup is the best option for reducing cup waste (#ChooseToReuse).
Paul Wallace, campaigns and social innovation manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “There is a demand for better cup recycling facilities, people are clearly thirsty for change. I hope that this initiative will encourage more people to #TakeItBack and increase the number of single-use cups being recycled.
“If we are serious about reducing the millions of single-use cups that are being used and discarded in Scotland every year, we need to increase reuse and recycling behaviours. We hope that by encouraging people to #TakeItBack and #ChooseToReuse this initiative will help people make more sustainable choices.”
The scheme is supported by Glasgow City Council who will add the #TakeItBack message to the blue recycling bins in the city centre.
To launch the initiative the Cup Movement Campaign team will be at Glasgow Central station on 21 October encouraging people to take part by giving out reusable cups.
Councillor Richardson, city convener for sustainability & carbon reduction, added: “Glasgow City Council was the first organisation to sign up and has already incentivised the use of reusable cups at its facilities, with staff being encouraged to make use of the offers available.
“Throwing away a disposable cup is a waste and I hope this event encourages more people and businesses to get on board and help spread awareness of this crucial campaign.”