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.Β
The initiative will be rolled out across University of St Andrews retail cafΓ©s, giving students and staff the opportunity to make a more sustainable choice as part of their everyday campus routine.
When purchasing a drink in a 2GoCup, students and staff will pay a refundable Β£2 deposit. Once they have finished their drink, the cup can be returned to one of the retail cafΓ©s to receive their deposit back, or exchanged for a freshly cleaned cup with their next purchase.
Designed with convenience in mind, the deposit-and-return system makes it simple for the university community to embrace reuse without changing the way they enjoy their favourite drinks on campus.
Based on current usage, the switch is expected to save an estimated 18,313kg of COβ emissions and prevent 2,442kg of waste.
For 2GoCup, the partnership marks another important milestone following their continued expansion across Scotland. With the system now operating in 800+ locations across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA, including more than 30 universities, the partnership demonstrates the growing appetite for practical alternatives to single-use packaging.
Al Clark, Sustainability Services Manager, Estates at St Andrews University says,
The University has a commitment to sustainability positive and net zero by 2035. This requires us to look at how we can improve operations to support this agenda. By prioritising reusable cups, we are supporting the circular economy and designing out waste in our processes. This change will also save the University over Β£5000 in waste costs from disposable cups.
Deborah Leitch, Retail Manager for Residential and Business Services, said:
The reusable cup scheme represents an exciting step forward for our cafΓ©s and our wider campus community. We're confident that students and staff will embrace the opportunity to make reuse part of everyday life while helping us reduce waste across the University.
Kevin Murphy CEO & founder from 2GoCup says,
Welcoming the University of St Andrews is a huge milestone for 2GoCup. Weβre excited to support their commitment to reducing single-use waste and see the impact this partnership createsβ.
This marks a major milestone for 2GoCup, and we're excited to build on this momentum as we expand our mission to eliminate single-use waste.
As universities, businesses and communities continue to look for practical ways to reduce waste, the University of St Andrews is demonstrating how simple reuse systems can be integrated into everyday operations and deliver measurable environmental benefits.
