Set to launch in the New Year, two specialist cup recycling bins will be placed in council-owned premises, the town hall and leisure centre. Accepting paper cups and lids, Huhtamaki will then collect the waste and ensure it is removed from the general waste stream and recycled - rather than going to landfill.
Hoping to extend to local businesses in the future (such as high street coffee shops, restaurants, offices and transport providers), the scheme will recycle goods into new products including garden furniture, park benches and flower tubs “that could be used in and around Gosport.”
Leader of the council, Cllr Mark Hook, said: “I'm delighted that we can work with Huhtamaki on this. We're one of the first boroughs to try such a scheme, and it's a great opportunity to show how councils and manufacturers can be ambitious in finding innovative ways to recycle. I look forward to working with Huhtamaki on this important issue.”
Neil Whittall, global category director for speciality coffee at Huhtamaki added: "Huhtamaki has worked on a number of recycling initiatives with customers, consumers and charitable organisations, but this is the first where our primary partner in the scheme is a local authority. We are looking forward to working with the team and to contributing towards increased recycling rates in Gosport Borough."