What is the Cup Club Bude returnable cup scheme?
It is a town-wide returnable cup scheme aimed at reducing single-use takeaway coffee cups. Customers join a deposit-based system that allows them to borrow and return reusable cups at any participating business.
Why should my business join?
Joining our scheme helps your business:
- Save on single-use cup costs and storage
- Reduce waste management fees
- Get ahead of changing regulations
- Align with your sustainability goals
- Join a collaborative local effort
- Appeal to eco-conscious customers
We’ll support you with:
Marketing and awareness campaigns
Cup supply and logistics
Training and signage
How does the scheme work for my business?
You’ll be provided with a stock of 12oz branded reusable cups (The Circular Mindset CIC).
Customers pay a £1 deposit at the point of sale. This deposit allows them to get their takeaway drink in one of our returnable cups.
You serve drinks in the returnable cup.
Any returned cups are exchanged for a £1 refunded deposit.
Returned cups are washed in-house and reused.
You manage stock and report needs to The Circular Mindset CIC team.
How long will the scheme run?
The scheme will run as a 12-month pilot. During this period, the scheme will be thoroughly tested through collaboration and feedback across all participating cafes. We want the pilot to put Bude on the map. It will show what coastal towns can achieve when businesses and community come together.
At the end of the pilot, it will be determined if Bude is suitable for a permanent community return scheme. If appropriate, further funding will be sought.
What are the upfront costs?
The scheme is funded through grant funding and donations, which cover:
- The cup stock
- Marketing materials
- Digital platform access
- Ongoing logistical support
There is no cost to businesses to join the scheme. Cups are loaned to participating businesses at just £1 per cup (lids included).
What is the cup made of?
The cup is made from 100% polypropylene. It is designed to be used hundreds of times. It’s not single use. In fact, it is using plastic in the right way. It lasts forever, so we should reuse it forever. At the end of its life, the cup is fully recyclable.
What’s wrong with biodegradable or compostable cups?
Compostable cups are plastic free. However, they are still single use cups. They are used for an average of 15 minutes before they are thrown away. People think they will just rot down. But in fact, they need to be sent to a specialised in-vessel composting facility. The reality is that cups thrown away in the town bins all end up in the incinerator. This occurs just like everything else. That’s why the only no-waste solution is to avoid a single use cup and go for REUSABLE!
Will it keep my coffee hot?
The cup is insulated so your hands are safe- but it is not a thermos cup. However, it keeps your drink hot in the same way that a single use paper cup does.
Where does the cup come from?
It is manufactured in China currently and is British designed. Etching and finishing is done in the UK. The carbon footprint of each cup is returned to zero after just 3 uses.
What happens when it breaks?
The cup is robust and designed to last for hundreds of uses but, if it breaks it just goes in your plastics recycling at home or you can drop it off at a cafe to be recycled. Deposits are not returned if the cup is broken or if the lid is missing.
How does the deposit system work?
You pay £1 deposit when you choose a Bude Cup for your take out drink and you can get your £1 back when you return your cup to any participating cafe.
As long as the cup isn’t damaged you will be able to get your £1 back by returning the cup to any participating cafes. Don’t worry if the cup is dirty, as long as we can wash it and reuse it you’ll get your £1 back. Please ensure you include your lid.
Which cafes have signed up to Cup Club Bude?
Our Cafe Club is always expanding – check out our map HERE.
What happens at the end of the life of these cups? Creating new plastic products cannot be better than using something biodegradable.
Plastic lasts forever – this product is using plastic in the right way, it is designed to be used hundreds and hundreds of times. The cup is made from polypropylene and if it’s damaged, it is fully recyclable.
There is no route for customers to recycle their paper cup in Bude. The process for separating and then recycling compostable cups is too expensive and laborious, therefore compostable cups still go to the incinerator.
What is the carbon footprint of these cups?
A reusable cup made from polypropylene and manufactured in China has a lower environmental impact than single-use paper cups after just 3 uses.
What’s expected from participating businesses?
Support basic reporting (e.g., cups distributed/returned).
Store and wash returned cups.
Display signage (provided).
Train staff to explain the scheme and encourage participation – we don’t want our cups sitting on shelves not being used!
Monitor cup stock and communicate any shortages.
How do customers join the scheme?
Step 1: Customers pay a deposit to join in with the scheme which is payable at the time of purchasing a takeaway hot drink.
Step 2: They borrow a branded reusable cup from any participating cafe.
Step 3: They return the cup to any participating cafe when done and receive their deposit back in full. The cup is ready to be washed and reused.
What happens if a customer doesn’t return the cup?
While we encourage returns, unreturned cups are considered part of the system’s “loss rate.” Research shows most customers return cups to the same venue. The scheme will monitor and manage stock to address any imbalances.
Is it hygienic?
Yes. Cups are washed on-site by businesses in accordance with standard food hygiene procedures. They are designed to be durable and safe for repeated use. They are designed to be compatible with commercial dishwashers.
How do we store the cups?
The cups are stackable to save space. They feature de-nesting properties to avoid sticking. We’ll work with you to accommodate space limitations and optimise storage.
How will people know about the scheme?
We’ll run a town-wide marketing and awareness campaign using:
A landing page listing all participating venues
Pop-ups in public spaces, at community and county events, as well as participating cafes
Digital content and social media
POS materials (countertop signs, window stickers, posters)
Business and community networking
Press and print advertising
Can we customise how we talk about the scheme?
Absolutely. We encourage you to:
- Highlight your role in making Bude more sustainable
- Engage creatively with chalkboards or social media
- Use our marketing toolkit
- Share customer success stories
What if we run out of cups?
Let us know! The Circular Mindset CIC team monitors supply levels and will redistribute cups or deliver more to meet demand.
What if we want to stop participating?
You can opt out at any time with a bit of notice. You’ll get £1 back for every cup returned to us. We’ll ask for a brief debrief and arrange return of any remaining materials.
How do we measure success?
Key metrics include:
- Number of cups distributed and returned
- Uptake rates vs disposables
- Reduction in waste and costs
- Customer and staff feedback
We’ll provide guidance on basic tracking and reporting.
Who is running the scheme?
The project is led by The Circular Mindset CIC and supported by local businesses and environmental organisations.
Has this scheme worked elsewhere?
We’ve connected with a range of successful returnable cup schemes across the UK to learn from their experiences and build a model that works for Bude.
We’ve reviewed case studies and blueprints from projects in places like Monmouth, Bristol, St.Ives, Dorset, Shrewsbury and the University of Bath, and engaged with organisations such as City to Sea and Refill Bude.
We’ve also explored approaches from alternative cup providers including Corretto Cups, Reuser, Ecoffee, and Vytal (Scotland).
The Eden Project’s model, where returnables are the default and single-use cups have been removed, has also inspired our thinking as we shape a scheme tailored to our community.
Who are we looking to approach?
We aim to onboard a small number of local cafés for the pilot phase, allowing us to provide hands-on support and training. If the pilot proves successful, we will explore opportunities to expand and involve additional local cafés.
The Circular Mindset CIC 