Refill and reuse: how 25p is reducing single-use cup waste in NHS Western Isles

Around 24,000 fewer single-use cups have been thrown away over a six month period, and £4,500 has been saved, as a result of an initiative introduced by NHS Western Isles in June 2025.

In June 2025, in a move to reduce waste and support environmental sustainability, the dining rooms and vending machines within Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway and Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh in Benbecula implemented a 25p surcharge on single-use drink cups. This has been a resounding success.

Between the months of July and December, throwaway, single-use, cup usage has dropped by a staggering 94 per cent. This means that in a six-month period, around 24,000 fewer single-use cups have been thrown in the bin, also saving the organisation £4,500. There are added environmental and cost benefits through less waste being sent to landfill.

To support the transition away from single-use cups, reusable takeaway cups were distributed to NHS Western Isles staff as part of the organisation’s Rest, Rehydrate and Refuel campaign, linked to staff wellbeing. Staff have been encouraged to use these cups in dining areas to avoid the surcharge and help reduce the organisation’s environmental footprint.

One staff member said: “It’s great to see teams engage so positively with this project, it was an easy swap and thanks to the organisation for the reusable cups.”

Another added: “We even take our reusable cups with us when attending meetings out with the office.”

George Maciver, NHS Western Isles Catering Manager, said: “Staff and visitors embraced the project from the start. We’ve seen a massive change where customers rarely request a single-use cup anymore and are happy to use reusable cups. The incredible 94 per cent reduction in the single-use cups speaks for itself. I would like to thank our catering staff for their work in implementing the scheme and all our customers for their continued support.”

This change reflects NHS Western Isles’ ongoing commitment to sustainability and was funded through the board's Endowment Funds.

More information on the impact of single-use cups can be found at https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/single-use-cups-scotland.