Reusable cups will replace two million single use plastic ones used annually in many of Belfast’s entertainment venues at gigs and other events by end of this year, if a multi-organisation drive is successful.
The drive, reportedly the first multi-venue scheme of its type in the UK or Ireland, is led by the Venue Sustainability Forum (VSF), an umbrella body,
Those involved will partner with North Down Marquees, which will deliver the reusable cups to the venues and pick up used ones, to then be washed at a central facility in Carryduff. Organisers said that tons of plastic waste will be eliminated annually.
The Waterfront Hall, Ulster Hall, The SSE Arena, Oh Yeah Centre, Black Box, Voodoo and The MAC plan to roll out resusables within month, with other venues lined up for the next phase. The SSE Arena will be the first, in mid-January.
It is a “brilliant new scheme”, said Iain Bell, Acting Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall.
“The switch from glass to plastic remains an important health and safety concern for gigs and entertainment venues, so this is a very positive step towards a solution which addresses both safety and sustainability.”
Dermot McGinn, the The Odyssey Trust, which manages the SSE Arena said the venue is “proud to be the first”.
OH Yeah Centre chief executive Charlotte Dryden, CEO of the Oh Yeah Centre said, “As a grassroots music venue, sustainability is at the top of not just our organisation’s agenda but also our community’s agenda.
Alistair McIlveen, general manager of North Down Marquees, added the company is “thrilled to be on the team that’s helping deliver a SUP (Single Use Plastic) Free Belfast”.
