Latte Levy on its own ‘not incentive enough’ to tackle single-use cups

While most people support the banning of single-use cups for the hot drinks they buy, a fifth don’t think they will change their behaviour if the Government stops at only introducing a levy on the cups.

The 15c levy on disposable cups is being considered by the Government in a bid to incentivise people to use reusable cups instead. However, a detailed survey on public attitudes to the ‘Latte Levy’ concludes that four times more waste would be prevented from going to landfill if the levy was accompanied by other measures such as discounts for using reusable mugs, being given a free reusable cup or a refund for returning a plastic cup.

The survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Amárach Research and Carr Communications found that while 60% supported the Latte Levy, only 19% said they believe it would bring about a change in their own behaviour.