Welcome to the Cardiff Bower FAQ page
Here, you'll find answers to common questions about our mission, how the project works, and how you can get involved. Whether you're curious about our sustainability initiatives, want to support the project, or need practical information, we've got you covered. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch, we’re always happy to help!
Using the Bower App & earning rewards
Bower is a free recycling rewards app that helps users recycle correctly while earning points that can be converted into cash, vouchers, or donations. By scanning and recycling your paper cups at participating locations in Cardiff City Centre, you can track your impact and get rewarded for helping the environment.
You can download the Bower app on Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iPhone) or scan the QR codes in participating store’s posters.
Each time you scan and recycle a cup at a participating location, you earn points in the Bower app. These points can be exchanged for 5p which can be transferred to your bank or charitable donations.
The app is suitable for users aged 4 and above (+4 years).
You have 1.5 years (18 months) to convert your points into cash or donations. Make sure to redeem them before they expire! If you haven’t been active on the Bower app in six months your account will be cleared.
No, the 5p reward must be earned and redeemed through the Bower app.
How the recycling works
Yes! You can recycle cups from all brands, including independent coffee shops.
No, you can recycle your cup at any participating store in Cardiff city centre.
You can find participating recycling points in Cardiff within the Bower app. The map will show all available locations.
Yes! You need to empty any liquid, remove the lid and sleeve before placing the cup in the cup bin. The bins in stores have separate, labelled sections for other types of recycling or hand it back to a member of staff.
No, paper cups should not be placed in household recycling bins. They must go to specialised recycling points, which is why the Bower app helps direct them to the right locations.
Once collected, your cup is sent to a specialist recycling facility where:
- The paper is turned into new paper-based products
- The plastic lining is separated and used in other recycled plastic materials. Take a look at our cup recycling video: Paper cup recycling process by the National Cup Recycling Scheme
Preventing fraud & misuse
- The app uses GPS technology to ensure cups are scanned near an official recycling point
- There is a limit of 10 cups per day per user
- Bower has fraud detection measures in place to track and prevent misuse
Yes, the app allows you to scan and recycle a maximum of 10 cups per day per user.
If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it through the Bower support team in the app.
- Hold the cup the right way up and face the brand logo towards the camera
- Try scanning the cup a few more times
- If it still doesn’t work after 10 attempts, take a photo and contact Bower’s support team through the app
Sustainability & impact
Absolutely! Paper cups are fully recyclable in the UK. Both the paper and plastic lining are turned into new products.
- For every cup you recycle, you prevent 5g of CO₂ emissions.
- You’re helping to keep Cardiff cleaner.
- You’re giving your cup a second life!
There is more information about this in the Bower App.
Yes! Reusable cups are always the best option to reduce waste. Many coffee shops offer discounts if you bring your own cup. However, if you do use a disposable cup, make sure to recycle it through the Bower app.
Yes, Bower also supports recycling of other packaging types. Check the app for more details.
Project partners & funding
Cardiff was selected because it is a bustling city with a strong commitment to sustainability. It has a high number of coffee shops and takeaway outlets, making it an ideal location to test and promote better cup recycling habits. The project aims to make Cardiff a leading example for other cities in the UK.
The project is currently focused on Cardiff City Centre because:
- It has a high concentration of coffee shops and takeaway outlets, making it the best place to maximise cup recycling
- City centres tend to have higher foot traffic, meaning more people can take part in the scheme
- The project is in a trial phase, and city centre locations allow for better monitoring and data collection to assess its success
If the trial is successful, the project could expand to more areas in Cardiff and beyond in the future!
At the moment, the Cardiff cup recycling project is focused on major retailers who sell paper cups in city centre locations. However, if your workplace is interested in supporting the Cardiff project by promoting it to employees, you can reach out to cuprecycling@valpak.co.uk.
We have created a Cup Box designed for SME’s which can be ordered here: National Cup Recycling Scheme | The Cup Box
If you wish to explore potential partnerships with Bower, please reach out via the Bower Partner Dashboard
Keep Wales Tidy is a charity dedicated to protecting the environment and reducing litter across Wales. They are involved in this project because recycling paper cups correctly helps prevent litter and keeps Cardiff’s streets cleaner. By supporting this initiative, Keep Wales Tidy is encouraging better recycling habits and working towards a more sustainable Wales.
This project is funded by Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Caffè Nero, Pret A Manger, Greggs, Burger King, and Lavazza Professional. They are all part of the National Cup Recycling Scheme, working together to make cup recycling easier and more effective.
You can find the Terms and Conditions for the Bower app directly within the app itself. Simply:
- Open the Bower app.
- Go to the Help and Guidance
- Tap FAQs and follow the links
Alternatively, you can visit the Bower website for full terms of use.
