University launches new reusable cup scheme across campus

On September 9, a reusable cup scheme was launched on the University of Manchester campus. This is a joint initiative between the University, Manchester City Council, and InOurNature.

The 'Bee Cup' scheme was established as part of the university’s environmental sustainability strategy, first introduced in 2023.

Aiming to reduce the number of single-use paper cups used at our campus cafés each year, the strategy outlines initiatives to reduce the University’s carbon footprint.

This included efforts to enhance sustainability in teaching, learning, and research as well as decreasing the adverse environmental impacts of single-use products.

Several locations on Oxford Road will be taking part in the scheme alongside every café on campus. This includes the Students’ Union, Benugo, the Royal Northern College of Music, Eighth Day and Bold Street Coffee. To participate in this initiative, staff and students need to download the 'Vytal' app. After finishing their drink, customers must return their Bee Cup to one of the participating locations. There, the cup will be scanned into the app, washed, stored, and reused. At UniCafés only, customers will receive their first Bee Cup drink for free.

Customers will be charged £5 if they do not return their cups within 14 days.

Additionally, the price of disposable cups will rise from 20p to 50p to encourage participation in the Bee Cup initiative.

Alison Shedlock, Director of Campus Services, stated, “We are so excited to be launching the Bee Cup and working with partners in the city. I hope that the university community embrace the scheme so that we can significantly reduce the number of single-use cups purchased on campus and reduce our carbon footprint, with the objective to expand the scheme across Manchester". When questioned about their opinion on the new cup initiative, Sean, a third-year politics and international relations student, shared the following with The Mancunion: "I think it's a really good environmental scheme but it should be made clearer how to participate in it. I wanted to participate but didn't know you had to download an app". Sumayyah, a final-year pharmacy student, told The Mancunion: “I think the Bee Cup initiative is a win-win for regulars at campus cafés and the environment. Many students I know are keen to save money and be environmentally conscious where they can, and this scheme offers the opportunity to do both. The 14-day return window helps to reduce any inconvenience associated with returning a cup, and as someone who’s downloaded several loyalty apps, I wouldn’t mind downloading another app when it’s for a good cause".