Cup deposit scheme here at Harper

In the summer term, students and staff at Harper Adams University took part in a trial to find a way to eliminate single-use paper cups.

Working with Shrewsbury Cup, the Harper Catering Department introduced reusable coffee cups on a £1 deposit return basis back in April. The aim was to reduce waste, save resources and encourage behaviour change towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

The trial proved a great success with the cups popular with both students and staff on campus, so the catering department has decided to take the next step and remove single-use cups completely and use reusable cups on a deposit basis from the beginning of the autumn term in September.

From the start of the 2019/20 academic year, all four cafes on campus will be stocked with orange reusable cups with the Harper shield and all take away drinks will be served in them. Customers will pay £1 deposit for the cup, enjoy their hot or cold drink and then return the cup to get their £1 deposit back.

There is no need to make a special trip, cups can be dropped back at any time during opening hours and the cups will then be washed ready for reuse.

Every day in the UK 7 million single-use paper cups are thrown away and the university wants to do its bit to reduce unnecessary waste.

David Nutall

Catering Manager