Lancashire Cricket launches reusable cup scheme at Emirates Old Trafford
Lancashire Cricket has announced the introduction of a reusable cup scheme across all matchdays at Emirates Old Trafford from the 2026 season, marking a major step forward in the Club’s sustainability ambitions.
The initiative will significantly cut waste while enhancing the matchday experience for supporters. Under the scheme, fans will pay a one-off £1 levy on their first drink purchase of the day. When returning to the bar with their cup, no further levy will apply.
The levy will fund the operation of the system - including cup rental, washing and logistics - with all remaining proceeds donated to the Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
Lancashire Cricket Operations Director Claire Harkness said: “Single-use cups are one of the biggest sources of waste at major sporting events and we are no different here at Emirates Old Trafford. By introducing this scheme, we expect to remove around 400,000 cups from our waste stream every year. That’s a significant impact - and just the start of our wider sustainability plans.
“We’ve designed this to be simple for supporters: pay once, keep your cup, and bring it back when you’re ready for another drink. Evidence from other venues shows deposit schemes can slow service and create queues. Our levy model keeps things moving while still delivering real environmental benefits.”
Cutting Waste, Improving Experience
The reusable cup scheme is built around two key priorities:
- Reducing environmental impact: The move will eliminate an estimated 400,000 single-use cups per season, cutting waste and reducing the Club’s overall footprint.
- Enhancing matchdays: The new cups are more durable than paper alternatives, improving the drinking experience while aligning Emirates Old Trafford with leading venues such as Lord’s, the Kia Oval, the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live and the AO Arena, who also use the same system.
How It Works
A £1 levy will be applied at the till on each supporter’s first drink purchase. As long as fans return with their cup, they will not be charged again for the rest of the event.
Glassware will remain in use in hospitality and Members’ areas for indoor consumption. Supporters taking drinks outside these areas will receive a reusable cup, with the standard levy applied.
Closing the Loop
Clearly marked return bins will be located across the stadium, particularly at entrances and exits. Supporters are encouraged to return cups there rather than placing them in general waste or recycling.
All cups will be collected after each event, professionally washed at a local facility powered by 100% renewable energy, and reused at future fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford.
Supporting the Lancashire Cricket Foundation
Once operating costs are covered, all remaining proceeds from the levy will be donated to the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, extending the scheme’s impact beyond environmental benefits into the community. The Club will provide an update on total donations to the Foundation at the end of the season from this initiative.
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