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Latte Levy

The Latte Levy is a 50p charge applied to single-use plastic takeaway cups for coffee and other hot drinks in cafés and restaurants across the University of York. Introduced to encourage the use of reusable cups and reduce single-use waste, the charge was increased to 50p in August 2025.

The funds collected through the latte levy are exclusively allocated to supporting sustainable projects and initiatives within the Commercial Services departments of York SU and the University, including our most recent student-facing initiative, the Sustainable Development Grant.

Latte Levy Achievements

Donated £200
to Your Café, a project that was set up in order to benefit the local community
Donated £1,000
to the Tonne of Tins campaign for food banks in the local area
Donated £500
to student-led group Scoop
Purchased recycled furniture
which will last 25 years
Purchased re-usable water bottles
for all new first year students living on campus
Partnered with Olio
and their Food Waste Hero volunteers to make sure edible food never goes to waste, but ends up benefiting the local community.
Purchased aluminum cups
for Roses to make the event as plastic free as possible
250 bamboo lunch boxes
were given to students during Freshers

YORCUP

The Latte Levy has played a vital role in funding the YORCUP scheme, a joint initiative between the University of York Students' Union and the University, by enabling the annual purchase of new cups and sleeves.

Additionally, we have utilised the levy to introduce YORCUP bins across campus, making it even more convenient for everyone to return their cups.

Two people holding up YORCUP's in front of the Shambles in York

Giant Recycling Bins

Green bin with sustainability branding on

Using the Latte Levy, we purchased 25 Giant Recycling bins, that were placed around campus. The recycling bins are specifically for the disposal of single-use plastic lined cups, lids and leftover liquids.

The bins are emptied by Forge Recycling, who use the plastic cups to produce a range of items including notebooks, pens and other stationery items.

Sustainability Development Grant

Sustainable Development Grant

Eat, Shop & Drink Sutainability

YORCUP