DISPOSABLE OR RECYCLABLE?

The world has changed! Not just global warming and England’s world cup efforts being marred by the presence of professional thugs, there have been other changes afoot over the last 10 years that have a direct influence on our industry.

Legislation has become the solution to all the country’s problems. If the population will not behave responsibly by choice, then the government of the day will introduce laws to bring about the desired change in attitude. Although this may solve the problem, the danger is that the legislation may bring pressure to bear on factors that are outside of the problematic area. Legislation in Germany aimed at containers and wrappers from fast food outlets, accidentally caught disposable vending cups.
The end result of this action has been to reduce the number of cups sold, due to the additional taxes imposed, thereby denying the consumer the many benefits of the disposable cup. Vending operators have seen their costs escalating and their business diminishing through reduced vends when crockery has been introduced. The environment has also suffered with increasing effluent containing washing chemicals, and increased energy used, to maintain a hygienic container from which to drink beverages in the workplace

To avoid this scenario here, forward thinking companies have supported the Save a
Cup recycling scheme since 1990.The hard wall polystyrene cup in this country, is not disposable, it is recyclable! The support for Save a Cup has now encompassed the whole of the vending industry, from raw material suppliers, through the supply chain to the operator and onwards to those selling ingredients for the drink.

The Packaging Waste Regulations with steadily rising targets and the increasing landfill tax are now putting pressure on industry to reduce waste streams and seek alternative methods of disposal, complying with legislation and reducing costs.

Coupled with the attainment of the environmental standards, which have now become almost obligatory before a trading relationship can be established, disposable now more than ever, needs to demonstrate a "return ticket" as recyclable

The provision of a collection and recycling service for used vending cups is essential to the healthy growth of the vending industry.

A new era is beginning at Save a Cup. The service is now available to everyone. With the use of third parties, many of whom are recyclers of other items, we are able to cover a wider area. The frequency of collections will be determined by the cup usage and location, with the service being tailored where possible to the clients needs.

The ordering and delivery of bins, bags and machines has also been simplified, with special prices available to the trade. A web site giving full details of the scheme, including a map of the areas covered and the frequency of collections is now up and running.

A new information pack, especially designed for the operator is now available. To ensure that the operator has all the information available when promoting the scheme to his clients, we have produced an A4 folder containing information sheets on subjects such as legislation, collections and products.

Also included is a brochure covering the main points of the service that can be left with the client? These can be ordered separately and used to generate interest by including them with the monthly statement, or using as a mail shot aimed at the facilities manager or environmental person within the company, contacts who very often have a budget for recycling and waste minimization.

Disposable or recyclable? We have a choice. Just disposable could leave us at the mercy of the legislators. Recyclable will give us an opportunity to demonstrate our industry’s commitment to the changing world, and at the same time, perhaps offer us protection against indiscriminate legislation. The choice is ours.