Pioneering Reusable Cup Program Aims to Eliminate Plastic Waste in Belfast

Belfast venues are teaming up in a groundbreaking initiative to replace two million single-use plastic cups annually with reusable alternatives

A Belfast nightclub is one of several venues participating in a new initiative aimed at banning single-use plastics.

The scheme will see reusable cups replace the two million single-use plastic cups consumed yearly in Belfast’s music and entertainment venues. According to The Irish News, the independent music and clubbing venue Voodoo is one of the establishments taking part in this month’s trial. Plans are underway to include additional major and grassroots venues in the next phase.

Other participating venues include Ulster Hall, The Waterfront Hall, The SSE Arena, Oh Yeah Centre, Black Box, and The MAC, all of which are expected to implement reusable cups within the next month.

This initiative, reportedly the first of its kind across multiple venues in Ireland and the UK, is part of a 12-month pilot project led by the Venue Sustainability Forum and supported by Visit Belfast. The project aims to reduce 40 tons of plastic waste annually from Belfast’s nightlife.

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North Down Marquees, an event supply company, will be responsible for delivering reusable cups to venues. They will also collect used cups for washing at a central facility before redistributing them for future use.

According to PA News, Charlotte Dryden, CEO of the Oh Yeah Centre, commented: “As a grassroots music venue, sustainability is at the top of not just our organisation’s agenda but also our community’s agenda.”

Dermot McGinn, Group Head of Food and Beverage at The Odyssey Trust, said: “We are committed to providing customers with the best experience every time, while also minimising our environmental impact wherever possible.”

He added: “We are pleased to work alongside other forward-thinking venues to tackle single-use plastic waste and support a more sustainable future for entertainment in Northern Ireland.”

Iain Bell, Acting Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall, remarked: “The switch from glass to plastic remains an important health and safety concern for gigs and entertainment venues, so this is a very positive step towards a solution which addresses both safety and sustainability.”

H/T Mixmag