Around 2.5 billion single-use cups are used in the UK each year – but less than 1% are recycled, according to new research calling for clearer charges on disposable drinks packaging.
Researchers from the Revolution Plastics Institute, University of Bath, Oxford Brookes University and University of Sheffield found that 92% of customers are unsure whether they are charged for a disposable cup when buying a drink.
They say making the cost clearly visible at the point of purchase and separately itemising it on receipts could encourage more consumers to use reusable alternatives.
Lead researcher Dr Kate Whitman, said: “This is about creating a consistent system that works for consumers and businesses. A clear charge would give people the same message wherever they buy a takeaway drink, while giving businesses greater certainty about the rules and creating stronger conditions for investment and innovation in reusable cup systems.
The researchers also found that disposable cups account for around 8% of litter by volume in England, increasing pressure on waste management and street cleaning services.
The policy brief recommends a consistent national charging framework, which could support reusable cup schemes, including returnable cups and shared washing systems.
Scotland has already committed to introducing a charge on single-use beverage cups, while EU rules are also placing greater emphasis on reducing packaging waste and increasing reuse.
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