Glasgow tries returnable coffee cups
Explore how a returnable cup trial worked and why returning cups matters for reuse.
Borrow Cup began in Glasgow in January 2025 as a project by Hubbub and Reposit. The idea was to let people borrow a reusable cup for a drink and return it at a participating location. A customer did not have to carry their own cup from home to use the system.
Hubbub describes a one-pound deposit. A cup returned at a participating till could be exchanged for the deposit, while other return points could provide an electronic voucher. Reposit collected used cups, washed them and supplied them to stores again.
This is reuse rather than simply putting a disposable cup into a recycling bin. The same cup goes through another cycle of use after cleaning. The system therefore depends on people returning cups as well as choosing them in the first place.
Hubbub later published results from the project. Those figures are reports from an organiser, not independent proof of every environmental benefit. This reading explains the earlier trial’s design. Anyone wanting to use the scheme now should check current participating locations and return arrangements before buying a drink.
Words to take with you
- reusable
- Able to be used again.I carry a reusable bag.
- deposit
- Money paid that can be returned when conditions are met.She received her deposit after returning the item.
- participating
- Taking part in an activity or scheme.Look for the sign at participating shops.
- voucher
- A document or code that can be used instead of some money.He used a voucher at the café.
- cycle
- A series of stages that can happen again.The cup begins another cycle of use.
Check your understanding
Choose an answer, then check each question.
Use your English
Explain whether a returnable-cup system would be easy to use in your area and why.
Say your answer aloud or write two or three sentences.