AI-Powered Paper Cup Recycling Pilot Launches in Cardiff

Published on April 24, 2025

A new AI-based recycling initiative has launched in Cardiff, offering residents and visitors a 5p reward for returning used paper cups to participating stores. The three-month pilot, led by Keep Wales Tidy in collaboration with the National Cup Recycling Scheme and waste app Bower, aims to reduce landfill waste by ensuring proper cup recycling.

Participants can scan their cups using the Bower app’s AI photoscanner and return them to designated outlets. Participating locations include major coffee chains and fast-food outlets across Cardiff city centre. The scheme incentivizes recycling while diverting cups from general waste.

Paper cups, often mistakenly discarded in regular recycling, require specialist processing due to their plastic lining. The recovered materials are repurposed into packaging, garden furniture, and other products.

The UK discards an estimated 2.5 billion paper cups annually, many of which end up as litter. This initiative seeks to improve recycling rates through technology and consumer engagement. The pilot runs until July 2025.

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