Campaign to stop pubs using single use plastic cups along the Thames

Image: Single-use plastic cups break down into polluting microplastics, Credit: In the Drink

In the Drink propose a two-year ‘phase out’ of single-use plastic cups

The environmental charity Thames21, which involves people in schemes to protect their local rivers so they can enjoy using them, has picked up 13,500 single-use plastic cups from the River Thames over the past seven years. If you filled Wembley Arena to capacity and gave everyone a cup, you would still have a thousand left over.

Not only does a pile of plastic litter on the foreshore spoil the public’s enjoyment of the River Thames in London, but these lightweight cups break down into microplastics, which pose a threat to wildlife, and to water quality.

The campaign In the Drink, backed by Thames21, Tideway, the company which has built the new ‘super sewer’, Eventim Apollo, and the Port of London Authority, would like to see their use in licensed venues phased out over two years and a national ban on free single-use plastic cups being given away at events.

In the Drink has been working to reduce single-use plastic pollution, and promote reusable alternatives for several years. At the launch of their latest report, hosted by Ruth Cadbury at the Houses of Parliament, they showed the result of a survey of more than 250 pubs along the river, from Thames Ditton to Gravesend.

Despite their efforts over the past few years to persuade the pubs to change their ways, they found 69% of riverside pubs still use single-use plastic cups and they are now calling on the government to address the growing problem.

 Ruth Cadbury joined In the Drink campaigners at launch event 

Switching to reusable plastic a ‘no-brainer’

In the Drink say once pub managers see the benefits of using reusable plastic cups they will realise they can help the environment, benefit customers and save money.

Blue Check Bar in Wembley reports saving up to £500 per month by switching to durable polycarbonate cups.

“Once you understand the benefits, the switch just makes sense,” says owner Jack Johal.

A poll by Yonder Data Solutions found that 89% of consumers support a ban on single-use plastic cups, and 75% say they negatively affect the taste of beer.

The campaign also aligns with findings from the recent Willow Review Report, which highlights sustainability as a key driver of commercial success for small businesses.

Among small and medium sized companies already taking action, 67% report reduced operational costs and 52% say they have attracted new customers through their environmental efforts.

With around half of UK pubs now independently owned, In The Drink is calling for targeted support – including government-backed grants or interest-free loans – to help small venues make the transition from single-use to reuse.

Image: An ITV news reporter joined Flora from In the Drink to clear up plastic cups, Credit: ITV News

Digital deposit systems

In the next phase of its campaign, In the Drink is looking to secure funding to set up deposit schemes at riverside pubs in London.

“The hope is that fewer plastic cups, whether single-use or reusable, will end up in the river”, said Paul Hyman, co-founder of In the Drink, who runs Active360 paddleboarding at Kew Bridge.

“They have been successfully used for coffee cups at Blenheim Palace, The Eden Centre and in European cities.”

The system at Blenheim Palace requires visitors to pay a £2 deposit for a traceable coffee cup. Once the cup has been returned to one of the designated points, the money will be returned to their digital wallet. The Palace tried this scheme first without the deposit but found implementing it was the only way to ensure cups were returned.

For the deposit schemes to get off the ground, Paul says the pubs need support from Government:

“Pubs are going through a difficult time with more than one a day closing. They would therefore be unlikely to take on the initial cost of setting up a reusable cups deposit scheme without help.”