Report Calls for Government to Introduce a Charge on Disposable Cups

UK study finds 92% of customers can't tell if they're charged for disposable cups

A new policy brief points to confusion in the U.K. over disposable-cup fees and the need for a clear nationwide charge for single-use cups.

20p cup charge proposed to cut UK waste

Consumers should face a mandatory 20p charge for single-use cups under proposals aimed at cutting waste and encouraging people to switch to reusable alternatives. Researchers at the University of Portsmouth’s Revolution Plastics Institute believe a standardised charge would make the cost of disposable cups more visible and give consumers a clearer financial incentive to bring their own. Around 2.5 billion single-use cups are used in the UK each …

Report calls for government to introduce a charge on disposable cups

Around 2.5 billion single-use cups are used in the U.K. every year, yet fewer than 1% are recycled. They contribute to litter, contaminate recycling streams and increase waste management and street cleaning costs for local authorities and taxpayers.

Calls for government to introduce a charge on disposable cups

Calls for government to introduce a charge on disposable cups GaisforE Wed, 23/09/2026 - 11:21 A new policy brief led by researchers at the Revolution Plastics Institute, sets out the evidence for making the cost of disposable cups clear to customers and encourage the use of reusable alternatives 23 September 2026 Around 2.5 billion single-use cups are used in the UK every year, yet fewer than one per cent are recycled. They contribute to litte…