BUDE’S businesses are set to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at tackling single-use takeaway coffee cups.

On October 11, Bude will become the first town in Cornwall to pilot a returnable cup scheme aimed at tackling single-use takeaway coffee cups. The initiative, called Cup Club Bude, is being delivered by newly formed social enterprise The Circular Mindset CIC, which is also currently running a Crowdfunder to raise £4,000 in four weeks to support the roll-out.

The scheme offers a simple system: borrow, enjoy, return. Customers can choose a returnable cup instead of a single-use takeaway one, beginning at Crooklets Cafe before rolling out across Bude.

“We believe Bude can lead from the front proving that reuse is simple, practical and visible,” said Lauren Plummer, co-founder of The Circular Mindset CIC.

“With community backing, we can create a lasting legacy of shared assets that the community can weaponize against single-use. We’re excited to show that even small towns can create big change.

“We’re starting at Crooklets Beach Cafe, right on the seafront where single-use cups are a big issue, and we’re thrilled to have them as our first pilot site. This is just the beginning — we’ll be announcing more cafés joining the scheme in the coming weeks, growing Cup Club Bude into a town-wide effort.”

If the campaign hits its £4,000 target, it will unlock match funding from Cornwall Council through the Climate and Nature Fund, effectively doubling the investment in the project.

Community support has been strong, with backing from local environmental leaders including Deb Rosser (founder of ReFill), author and campaigner Martin Dorey, and sustainability advocate Chris Hines. North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire has also written letters of support.

Millie Heaven, co-founder of The Circular Mindset CIC said: “We’re so proud that Cup Club Bude is launching right here in our town, making Bude the first Town in Cornwall to run a community returnable cup scheme. This project is about showing what’s possible when we tackle single-use waste together. With the support of partners like Circular&Co, Cornwall Council, and brilliant local champions — from Martin Dorey and Deb Rosser, to pioneers like ReFill Shop Bude and the 2Minute Foundation, as well as further afield from Chris Hines MBE — we’re excited to set a blueprint for positive change, starting in Bude.”

The scheme is launching in partnership with Cornwall-based sustainability innovators Circular&Co.

Dan Dicker, founder at Circular&Co., said: “It’s a real privilege to be supporting such an exciting initiative right here in Cornwall. We’re on a mission to make single-use culture a thing of the past, so seeing Cup Club Bude come to life is extremely rewarding.

“Our partnership with The Circular Mindset CIC is a perfect example of how local collaboration can drive meaningful change. Thanks to this, Bude is setting a precedent for other towns in Cornwall and beyond. We hope the scheme inspires more communities to rethink their single-use habits and embrace circular solutions that benefit both people and the planet.”