Make your daily drink more sustainable

A reusable cup can be a more sustainable choice than a disposable one if you use it regularly and keep it for as long as possible. Many single-use paper cups contain a thin plastic lining, which means they may not be accepted through standard recycling collections.

Reusable cups can reduce demand for single-use products and may keep drinks warmer for longer. Some cafés also offer a discount when you bring your own cup.

The environmental benefit depends on repeated use, the material the cup is made from and how it is washed. Research reviewed by Zero Waste Scotland found that reusable plastic cups can reach their carbon break-even point after around 10 to 41 uses. To reduce the impact of washing, use an efficient dishwasher or wash your cup with other items rather than running hot water for one cup.

Choose a cup you will use consistently and look after well. Reusable cups made from plastic, stainless steel or ceramic can last for years, and some are made from waste materials such as coffee husks. At the end of the cup’s useful life, check local recycling guidance because the options depend on the material.

The simplest approach is to use a cup you already own, keep it somewhere visible and make reuse part of your routine.