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Businesses hail Cardiff’s Refill Return Cup Scheme as a success

Businesses hail Cardiff’s Refill Return Cup Scheme as a success

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

A pioneering city-wide reusable cup initiative that helped Cardiff cut down on single-use waste and save businesses money will officially conclude at the end of May, after a successful eight-month pilot involving more than 20 hospitality venues.

The Refill Return Cup Scheme, launched by business improvement district FOR Cardiff in partnership with environmental group City to Sea and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has seen over 11,000 reusable coffee cups returned by customers. With a 97% return rate, the pilot not only proved the feasibility of a reuse model but also demonstrated consumer appetite for sustainable alternatives in the hospitality sector.

The scheme allowed customers to “borrow” a reusable cup via a digital app, return it to any participating location, and avoid disposable packaging. The initiative contributed to a reduction in single-use cup waste and carbon emissions, with an estimated 200 kg of CO₂ saved.

Businesses see clear benefits

Participating venues have reported both environmental and economic benefits. Dylan Randell, Head Chef at Da Coffee in Central Square, said the business saved over £800 on disposable packaging by using the Refill Return Cups.

“Taking part in this pilot scheme was a no-brainer for us,” Randell said. “We connected with a brilliant community of like-minded businesses and showed our customers we’re serious about sustainability.”

With the pilot now ending, many venues are choosing to retain their reusable cups and continue their own independent reuse systems—extending the environmental benefits beyond the official closure.

Long-term vision for reuse in Wales and beyond

Carolyn Brownell, Chief Executive of FOR Cardiff, said the pilot has laid the foundation for broader adoption of reuse infrastructure in other cities across the UK.

“We’re proud to have delivered this pilot and thrilled that many businesses are continuing with the cups,” said Brownell. “It shows the power of business-led sustainability initiatives and sets a strong precedent for what’s possible when cities collaborate on climate solutions.”

From Friday, 23 May, customers will no longer be able to lease new cups via the Refill app, though returns will be accepted until 6 June. After that, while the app will no longer support cup returns in Cardiff, it will still help users find local venues where they can refill water bottles, coffee cups, lunch boxes and more, continuing the city’s low-waste momentum.

Building a national model

Data collected during the scheme is currently being analysed by Cardiff Business School and Greenwich Business School, with a full report expected in Summer 2025. The findings will help inform future reuse initiatives across the UK, providing evidence-based insights into consumer behaviour, logistical frameworks, and business engagement.

Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, called the pilot a significant contribution to the national reuse movement.

She said: “Cardiff has helped reduce waste and shaped the national conversation on reuse,” said Martin. “It’s a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration between local businesses, public funding, and environmental organisations.”

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