Re-usable Cup Scheme

How our new, more sustainable approach stacks up...

At Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, we want to leave a legacy for Belfast and Northern Ireland, honouring our iconic venues and being respectful of the environment in which we operate. We are currently operating a pilot scheme for reusable cups which will significantly reduce single use plastic associated with entertainment events.

We have partnered with venues across the city in the hope of removing more than two million single-use plastic cups from nights out in Belfast and eliminating 40 tonnes of plastic waste annually.

This initiative is a sign of our commitment to improving sustainability whilst also prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our customers.

Your participation

On your visit to the venue, this pilot scheme may be in operation, and you will receive your drink in a reusable cup. Your first drink includes a non-refundable £1 levy. We encourage patrons to leave these cups at the return points located across the venue.

Research conducted around similar schemes shows that cups begin to offer a reduction in carbon footprint after being reused on just three occasions. So we hope our customers will join us in helping to reduce single use plastic by playing their part.

Reusable Cup Return Point | Waterfront Hall | Ulster Hall

The Cups

Our new more durable STACK-CUP™ offers great stability and can be easily placed one on top of the other thanks to the innovative handle design. This makes them much easier to carry than traditional plastic cups and much sturdier.

Stack Cup | Waterfront Hall | Ulster Hall

Questions and Answers

Why is there a £1 levy on drinks?

The £1 levy is a one-off charge that will be applied to the price of your first drink. If you do not present your reusable cup when purchasing additional drinks, a further £1 levy will be applied to the price of your drink(s).

Having made a significant financial contribution to establish the necessary infrastructure for this initiative, the £1 levy was introduced as a transparent approach to funding the scheme. As two of Northern Ireland’s entertainment venues participating in Belfast’s citywide reusable cup trial, the £1 levy is necessary to cover the operational costs associated with the initiative. These costs include the cleaning and sanitising of cups and their transport to and from the dedicated washing facility in Carryduff. Without this levy, offering this sustainable option would not be possible.

Can I refuse the £1 levy?

No, the £1 levy is mandatory for all customers who purchase a drink (beer, cider, wine, spirits, alcopops, pre-mixed cocktails, soft drinks or non-alcoholic beer) at food and beverage outlets.

Where do I return my cup?
You can return your cup at designated return points throughout Waterfront Hall or ulster Hall. Check with our team for details.

How many cups can be stacked?
We recommend stacking no more than four cups at a time. The cups link using the patented handle, this means they can be easily carried.

Is using the cups mandatory?
The initiative will be mandatory for all customers during the confirmed period of operation to ensure the scheme remains viable and to help maximise the reduction in single use plastic.

Who owns the re-usable cups
The investment associated with buying the reusable cups has been made by a group of venues who are members of the Venue Sustainability Forum. Further venues are expected to join the scheme after the initial trial phase.

Can I bring my own reusable cup? The way you can in some coffee shops?
We regret we are unable to facilitate customers using their own keep cups at this time.