Latte levy

This price adjustment aims to reduce the usage of single-use plastic takeaway cups, which has seen a concerning increase over the past two years. You can avoid the latte levy by bringing your own cup, using our crockery and drinking in, or purchasing and using a YORCUP.

The funds collected through the levy are dedicated solely to supporting sustainable initiatives conducted by the Commercial Services departments of YUSU and the University. Since its inception in 2019, we have accumulated a total of £153,815.91  to reinvest in sustainable projects and endeavors.

What have we done with levy money?

• Purchase new YORCUPs to keep the scheme running
• Funded the Sustainable Development Grant
• Purchases aluminum cups for Roses 2023 to make the event as plastic free as possible
• Bought reusable water bottles for all new first year students living on campus in 2022
• Bought single-use cup recycling bins for use across campus
• Put YORCUP bins around campus so you don't have to go back to an outlet with your reusable cup
• Put a recycling station outside of the YUSU reception so staff and students can recycle different materials including cables, oral care products, pens, clothing, drinks cans, crisp packets, plastic bottles and sweet wrappers
• Bought new outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic for Vanbrugh College, which should last for 25 years
• Bought ballot box cigarette bins for campus
• Gave 250 bamboo lunch boxes at Freshers
• Donated £500 to student-led group Scoop
• Donated £1,000 to the 2019 Tonne of Tins campaign for food banks in the local area
• Donated £200 to Your Café in York in 2019