New Dedicated Cup Bins Launched in Edinburgh for Takeaway Recycling Trial
Edinburgh has launched a fresh trial with dedicated on-street bins for single-use takeaway cups in three busy city-centre locations.
The move, which started this week, aims to make recycling far easier for commuters and coffee drinkers while tackling the huge volume of cups that currently end up as litter or landfill.
Keep Scotland Beautiful has teamed up with the National Cup Recycling Scheme and the City of Edinburgh Council to roll out the scheme, which also includes a “Take It Back” return programme at more than 30 local stores.
Why The Trial Matters
Scotland uses around 388 million single-use cups every year, yet only about 4% get recycled. Most takeaway cups have a plastic lining that stops them from going in standard recycling bins or household collections. The new bins target high-footfall spots near transport hubs where cups are most likely to be ditched.
The three locations chosen are:
- Market Street (at the entrance to Waverley Station)
- Waverley Bridge
- Outside Haymarket Station
These spots were chosen because recent bin audits showed single-use cups accounting for as much as 59% of drink-related waste in some areas.
How the New System Works
Drop your used cup (any brand) into the new dedicated bins – they are clearly marked and separate from general waste. Or use the “Take It Back” option: hand your cup back to staff at any participating store, even if it’s not the one where you bought it.
Participating chains already confirmed include Costa Coffee, Caffè Nero, Greggs and McDonald’s, with more than 30 outlets across the city centre, Leith, Stockbridge, Tollcross and the Southside taking part.
The trial builds on successful pilots in Glasgow and Dundee. Results from Edinburgh will help decide whether the scheme expands further across the capital.
What Locals and Visitors Can Do
Next time you grab a coffee on the go, look for the new bins or simply hand your cup back inside the shop. Better still, bring a reusable cup – many cafés offer a discount for it.
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, the council’s environment convener, said the project is part of wider efforts to increase recycling rates in the city.
Heather McLaughlin, campaigns manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, added that the bins and Take It Back scheme together should make a real dent in cup waste.
Key Details – At A Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| New bin locations | Market Street, Waverley Bridge, Haymarket Station |
| Participating stores | 30+ including Costa, Caffè Nero, Greggs, McDonald’s |
| Daily cups in Scotland | ~388 million per year |
| Current recycling rate | 4% |
| Partners | Keep Scotland Beautiful, National Cup Recycling Scheme, City of Edinburgh Council |
The dedicated bins are for cups only – no lids or other waste. The trial is running now and will run for several months while data is collected. Full details and a map of participating stores are on the Keep Scotland Beautiful website.
It’s a simple, practical step that should make a visible difference on Edinburgh’s streets. If the trial works well, it could become a permanent fixture and encourage more people to think twice before binning their cup.