ISS up for the cup in new recycling scheme

ISS Facility Services has revealed its role as a Founder Member of the ‘Simply Cups’ paper cup recycling scheme. The initiative, to be launched on 1st August will help to recycle the 2.5 billion paper cups that are sent to landfill or incinerated every year in the UK.

Simply Cups is a partnership between Closed Loop Environmental Solutions and Simply Waste Solutions. It will provide paper cup manufacturers, organisations operating in the supply chain, as well as beverage and hospitality outlets, with a cost-efficient collection and recycling service that will reduce operating costs and improve environmental credentials.

The Founding Members of the scheme will include facilities management company ISS, national retailer John Lewis Partnership, festival events management company Festival Republic and catering firm Baxter Storey. Cup manufacturers - Huhtamaki and Solo Cup Europe - plus prominent industry associations including WRAP, Keep Britain Tidy and the Automated Vending Association are also key supporters.

The scheme will operate initially within the M25 and Thames Valley area but is expected to quickly evolve into a nationwide service. Founding Members will initially employ the scheme at their key locations. ISS will offer the scheme to its many clients across London and the South East.

Ian Baxter, UK Waste Services Director, commented: “I am delighted that we are able to support and deliver a closed loop service on a waste stream which has been challenging to deal with sustainably until now. We are proud to be a part of this important initiative and to be able to offer the huge environmental, social and economic benefits to clients.”