The scheme will allow the UK adhere to 2025 legislation. Credit: Biffa.

UK-based waste management company Biffa has announced the launch of a nationwide recycling service targeting the disposal of single-use paper cups.  

Biffa’s recycling service for takeaway cups is a step towards a circular economy, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact and preserve natural resources. 

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It follows after figures showed that more than 62 million single-use cups for hot and cold beverages are thrown away weekly in the UK. 

However, a significant number of these cups end up in general waste streams despite being recyclable. 

With its new initiative, Biffa aims to address this issue by offering a comprehensive recycling solution to businesses across the UK’s mainland, including cafés, restaurants, service stations, and supermarkets. 

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The collected cups will be processed and transported to a domestic paper mill to be repurposed into new cardboard packaging. 

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The initiative comes as the UK prepares for pending legislation requiring businesses to recycle fibre-based takeaway cups.  

From October 2025, businesses with ten or more full-time employees that sell takeaway drinks in single-use cups will be legally required to recycle them.  

Biffa will provide the necessary tools for businesses to adhere to this mandate, offering advice on compliance, disposal points, and collection services.  

Biffa Reactive Services’ Daniel Barrett said: “Far too many recyclable takeaway cups end up in general waste, preventing perfectly good cardboard from being transformed back into new products. 

“But despite the eagerness of many businesses to become more sustainable and compliant, the UK lacked sufficient options for the convenient and efficient nationwide recycling of these cups.”