NHS Western Isles claims success at cutting single-use cup waste

About 24,000 fewer single-use cups have been thrown away over a six month period following the start of an NHS Western Isles initiative to reduce waste.

In June 2025 dining rooms and vending machines within Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway and Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh in Benbecula intorduced a 25p surcharge on single-use drink cups.

Meanwhile, reusable takeaway cups were distributed to staff.

The health board said the project had been a "resounding success" reducing single-use cup usage by 94%.

NHS Western Isles said this had saved £4,500 on top of the environmental and cost benefits of less waste being sent to landfill.

Money from the board's endowment funds was used to support the change.

George Maciver, NHS Western Isles catering manager, said that staff and visitors had embraced the project and now rarely request single-use cups.

He said: "The incredible 94% reduction in the single-use cups speaks for itself.

"I would like to thank our catering staff for their work in implementing the scheme and all our customers for their continued support."