Returnable cup scheme
As part of our commitment to cutting single‑use waste, we've partnered with Cauli to offer a tap & go returnable cup scheme. You can borrow a cup for free when buying a drink, whether you're eating in or taking it away.
The cups look like single‑use cups but are designed to be reused. Simply return your cup to a return point within 7 days to avoid any charges.
The scheme is currently available at Sighthill campus, with Craiglockhart and Merchiston joining in 2027.
How does it work?
The scheme works slightly differently depending on where you're buying your drink:
- At outlets with a barista, staff will serve your drink in a returnable cup.
- In areas with self‑serve coffee machines, you'll need to collect a returnable cup and pay for your drink before using the machine.
When you visit one of our outlets with a barista, you'll order and pay as normal. The barista will scan the QR code on the cup, and you'll tap your card or phone to borrow the returnable cup (no payment is taken).
Then, enjoy your drink and return the cup within seven days. Once returned, the link to your card is deleted and no personal data is kept.
What if I don't return my cup in time?
- If you don't return the cup within 7 days, a £5 charge will be applied to your method of payment and the cup becomes yours.
- If you then return the cup between 7 and 30 days, the £5 will be refunded.
Check out the Cauli video for a quick guide on how it works.
What are the different kinds of cup discounts and charges?
| Type of cup | Discount/charge |
|---|---|
| Bring your own cup | You will receive a 25p discount on your drink |
| Use a Cauli returnable cup | No charge or discount (£5 late return fee applies) |
| Use a single-use paper cup | No charge (50p from 27 August) |
FAQs
Can I use my own reusable cup and still get the 25p discount?
Yes, we encourage you to bring your own reusable cup, and you will receive a 25p discount for this. Reusable cups are also available to purchase at Espresso Lab outlets.
Please see the table below to understand all our cup charges:
| Type of cup | Discount/charge |
|---|---|
| Bring your own cup | You will receive a 25p discount on your drink |
| Use a Cauli returnable cup | No charge or discount (£5 late return fee applies) |
| Use a single-use paper cup | No charge (50p from 27 August) |
Can I still have a paper cup?
Yes, where necessary. We recognise there may be occasions where returning a cup within seven days isn't possible. Paper cups will still be available, but we strongly encourage use of returnable cups wherever possible. Our intention is to eliminate all single use items by 2028.
A 50p charge for disposable cups will apply at the point of purchase from 27 August - please see the table below to understand our cup charges and discounts.
| Type of cup | Discount/charge |
|---|---|
| Bring your own cup | You will receive a 25p discount on your drink |
| Use a Cauli returnable cup | No charge or discount (£5 late return fee applies) |
| Use a single-use paper cup | No charge (50p from 27 August) |
Will the cup be hot to hold?
No, the ribbed design helps spread the heat, making it comfortable to hold.
Do I need to wash the cup before returning it?
No, just empty any remaining liquid into a sink or one of our dedicated liquid bins before returning.
Does it cost anything to use a returnable cup?
No. Tapping your card simply links it to the cup. If returned within 7 days, no charge is made and no card details are kept.
I returned my cup within 7 days but was charged £5 - what should I do?
Please get in touch with Cauli customer service via the app or the contact form.
What if I miss the return window?
If you return the cup within 30 days of being charged, you will receive a full refund.
Will other single-use items be included?
Yes. Cauli also provides reusable food containers, and we aim to introduce these following the cup scheme rollout.
When will the scheme be introduced at Craiglockhart and Merchiston?
We expect to introduce the scheme across our other campuses in June 2027.
Will I be making a difference by using a returnable cup?
Absolutely. Each reuse prevents a single use cup and saves approximately 60.9g of CO₂e.
In the UK, around 5 billion single-use cups are used annually - equivalent to emissions from approximately 125,000 homes per year.
What is the carbon impact?
After just over two uses, a reusable cup has a lower carbon footprint than a single use cup.
What does the Cauli mobile app do?
The Cauli app, available on Google Play and the App Store, is completely optional. If you choose to download it, it will allow you to:
- Link your card
- Track borrowed cups
- Check return status
- Speed up checkout
How does Cauli handle my data?
Read the Cauli privacy policy and terms of service to understand exactly how and why Cauli store your data.