The mandatory membership offers a reporting service to those businesses that are obligated to report their cup outputs and cups sent for recycling under the future Mandatory Cup Takeback regulation. There is currently no date set as Defra is still undertaking industry feedback.

When the time comes, any business that has more than 10 full time employees and sells filled fibre composite cup will be obligated to report.

Yes! When the time comes to report the output of cups and cups sent for recycling, any business that are obligated will switch from the voluntary membership to the obligated membership.

Businesses must provide on-site collection infrastructure, actively participate in the cup recycling process, and meet reporting and recycling targets as outlined by the scheme.

Voluntary membership is currently available to any size business, but was aimed at smaller businesses, independent coffee shops, and organisations that do not meet the criteria for mandatory participation but still want to contribute to the cup recycling initiative.

Voluntary members gain access to cup recycling infrastructure, can promote their involvement in sustainability efforts, and may improve their environmental credentials with customers, all while having more flexibility in their commitments.

Yes, businesses that experience growth or an increase in cup usage may be required to upgrade to mandatory membership if they meet the criteria set by the scheme.

Voluntary members receive support in terms of collection logistics, access to marketing materials, and guidance on how to promote their participation in the scheme, similar to mandatory members but with more flexibility in their commitments.