A fair and transparent approach to single-use cup charges in the UK

Around 2.5 billion single-use cups are used in the UK each year, yet less than 1% are recycled. Consumers are often unaware that they are paying for single-use cups, thereby missing the opportunity to save money by choosing a more sustainable alternative. These cups contribute to litter, contaminate recycling streams, and increase waste management costs for local authorities and taxpayers. Although many cafés and retailers already apply a charge for single-use cups, these charges vary in both price and visibility, and our research indicates that 92% of consumers are unsure whether they are being charged at the point of purchase. As a result, consumers are unable to make fully informed purchasing decisions and may miss the opportunity to save money by using a reusable cup. This brief recommends introducing a mandatory minimum 20p, separately itemised charge on all single-use cups. Making the charge uniform and visible would provide a clear and memorable price signal, encouraging consumers to make more sustainable, cost saving choices, similar to the successful single-use carrier bag charge. With Scotland already committed to implementing a mandatory single-use cup charge, governments across the UK have an opportunity to adopt a consistent policy framework that aligns with broader packaging reforms and provides businesses with clear regulatory direction.