Glasgow first city in Scotland to trial initiative aimed at stopping single-use cups ending up in landfill

A new project launched today will see Glasgow become the first city in Scotland to trial an initiative aimed at stopping single-use cups ending up either as litter or in the landfill.

The project, known as the ‘Cup Movement’, will aim to collect and recycle as many hot and cold drinks cups as possible in the city.

With an estimated 95 million single-use cups used in the Greater Glasgow area every year, the project, which has support from the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and a host of major companies, will aim to transform recycling infrastructure and encourage people to adopt more sustainable behaviours.

Currently around 48 per cent of Glasgow’s drink waste consists of single-use cups.

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said she was “delighted that Glasgow City Council was the first organisation to sign up to the Cup Movement”.

She said: “We are already incentivising the use of reusable cups at our council facilities and we also want to work closely with businesses, third sector groups and other organisations to deliver actions that make a real difference.

“Simply throwing away a disposable cup is a waste of resources. By helping to change the culture around we consume our drinks, substantial benefits are in reach for individuals, organisations and the environment alike.”

The initiative, launched by Keep Scotland Beautiful, will see recycling service Simply Cups lead on collection and recycling services.

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “The Cup Movement in Glasgow is a truly collaborative initiative that has been 18 months in the planning with some of the UK’s leading coffee chains.

“By bringing together businesses, institutions and people, we will be working hard to reach each and every cup before it becomes litter or landfill. Whether it be through recycling or switching to a reusable cup, we want people to realise they have an opportunity to be part of a positive movement for change.” 

Glasgow City Council has been confirmed as the first member of the cup collection service, setting an example for other organisations and businesses to follow.