Beyond the Bin Fund: £45k for cup recycling innovation

What is the Beyond the Bin Fund?

The National Cup Recycling Scheme created the fund to accelerate innovation in paper cup recycling, with a focus on on-the-go formats and kerbside collection. As administrators of the scheme, we’re committed to supporting scalable ideas that cut landfill waste and drive stronger environmental performance.

Learn more about the National Cup Recycling Scheme, the UK’s largest paper cup recycling initiative.

Who can apply?

Any organisation, business, community group, or partnership can submit proposals. The fund supports three focus areas:

• Awareness campaigns: Creative behaviour change initiatives in workplaces, events, or public spaces.
• Recycling infrastructure: Innovations in cup collection, return, and sorting at high-footfall locations.
• Research and evidence building: Studies on recyclability, recovery rates, and feasibility of household collection.

What do applicants receive?

Shortlisted applicants will receive:

• Financial and expert support
• Networking and stakeholder referrals
• Help preparing final pitches to NCRS brand judges

Finalists will present full proposals in December, with the winning project receiving funding to bring their idea to life.

Why it matters

Since its launch, the National Cup Recycling Scheme has recycled over 233 million cups into products like packaging, stationery, and even Remembrance Day poppies. Participating brands include Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Pret a Manger, Caffè Nero, Lavazza Professional, Greggs, and Burger King.

This fund is a major step toward expanding that impact, and your organisation could be part of it.

How to get involved

Visit the National Cup Recycling Scheme’s Beyond the Bin web page to learn more and enquire about the Beyond the Bin Fund for fibre-based cups. Whether you’re a business, local authority, or community group, your idea could help shape the future of cup recycling in the UK.

Summary

The Beyond the Bin Fund: National Cup Recycling Scheme’s £45k fund to boost cup recycling innovation is a unique opportunity to drive real change in how paper cups are collected and recycled. With expert support and funding available, now is the time to act.

Visit our Beyond the Bin page to learn more and enquire about the fund.