A new initiative in Cardiff offers coffee enthusiasts a chance to save money while aiding environmental efforts. The Cardiff Refill Return Cup scheme, launching soon across various coffee shops in the city, aims to cut down on single-use coffee cup waste.
Why Cardiff Needs the Refill Return Cup Scheme
In the UK, an estimated 2.5 billion takeaway coffee cups are discarded each year, most of which are not recycled. Cardiff alone contributes a significant portion to this staggering statistic. This scheme offers a solution by allowing customers to borrow and return reusable coffee cups, significantly reducing waste.
FOR Cardiff, in collaboration with environmental charity City to Sea, has initiated the project, marking a significant step towards sustainability in Wales. Local coffee shops like Waterloo Tea, Pettigrew Bakeries, Da Coffee, and Bird & Blend Tea are amongst the first to adopt this groundbreaking initiative.
How the Refill Return Cup Scheme Works
The process is straightforward:
- Cafes and coffee shops sign up to the scheme and receive the reusable cups.
- Customers download the Refill app and register their card details without any charges.
- When a customer orders coffee, the barista scans a QR code on a reusable cup, making the customer its temporary owner.
- The app reminds customers to return the cup within two weeks to avoid charges.
- Returned cups are scanned back, washed, and recirculated.
This system ensures continuous use of the same cups, reducing the environmental footprint significantly.
The Impact and Future of the Scheme
With a generous £90,000 funding from the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the Cardiff Refill Return Cup scheme aims to prevent up to 30,000 single-use cups from entering landfills. Carolyn Brownell, FOR Cardiff’s executive director, emphasized their commitment to sustainability and local business support in their 2021-26 business plan.
The project is not just about environmental benefits but also community engagement. Cardiffians can access the latest updates and participate in the scheme via the WalesOnline WhatsApp community, ensuring they stay informed on city’s sustainable efforts.
Overall, this initiative positions Cardiff as a leader in environmental stewardship, inspiring other cities to adopt similar measures. As the project progresses, the long-term goal is to expand its reach, further promoting sustainability across Wales and beyond.
