University launches reusable cup scheme
The University has become the first in Scotland to introduce 2GoCup, a “borrow, return and reuse” system for takeaway drinks, helping to cut single-use cup waste across campus.
An estimated 388.7 million single-use cups are used in Scotland each year, generating approximately 5,400 tonnes of waste, while only around 4% are currently recycled.
With the University currently using more than 204,000 single-use cups annually, St Andrews wanted to introduce a practical solution that could support its sustainability ambitions without disrupting everyday life for students, staff or visitors. They will significantly reduce waste while also lowering the costs associated with disposable cups, allowing those resources to be invested elsewhere across the University.
The initiative will be rolled out across University of St Andrews retail cafés from Monday 5 October. Here’s how it will work when you purchase a drink at Fairlie’s, Franki’s, UPDATES or Tindal’s cafe:
- Bring your own cup and enjoy your drink as normal.
- Pay a £2.00 deposit and your drink will come in a 2GoCup.
- Keep the 2GoCup for as long as you like.
- When you have finished your drink, return the 2GoCup and lid to any participating café.
- You’ll receive your £2.00 deposit back. Or, if you would like to purchase another drink, your 2GoCup will be exchanged and your new drink will come in a freshly cleaned 2GoCup .
Based on current usage, the switch is expected to save an estimated 18,313kg of CO₂ emissions and prevent 2,442kg of waste. The phasing out of single-use cups will be gradual, giving everyone plenty of time to get used to the new scheme and embrace this new way of enjoying their hot drinks.
For any questions, 2GoCup have answered frequently asked questions, or email [email protected]. Look out for key dates and more news on posters throughout the University cafés and on Instagram (@ustaeats).