Joining forces to eliminate single use plastic cups

At the MAC we are committed to continually improving our sustainability and reducing our impact on the environment. That is why, alongside the Waterfront Hall, Ulster Hall, The SSE Arena, Oh Yeah Centre, Black Box and Voodoo we've invested in a scheme that will introduce reusable cups to our venue.

The aim of this scheme is to remove 2 million single use plastic cups from nights out in Belfast and eliminate 40 tons of plastic waste annually. It’s set to be the first multi-venue scheme of this kind in the UK and Ireland.

The 12-month pilot is being driven by the Venue Sustainability Forum (VSF), chaired by Wilton Farrelly, Non-Executive Director of Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd and supported by Visit Belfast. It will roll out over the coming months in partnership with North Down Marquees, who will deliver the reusable cups to venues and pick up used ones, which will be washed in a central washing facility in Carryduff, before being redistributed again.

When asked about the scheme our Facilities Manager Emmett Ross said:

“At the MAC, we are passionate about implementing our artistic and cultural activities as sustainably as possible. In fact, our organisational focus for 25/26 will be 'Climate in Action', meaning this is a perfect time for us to take part in the Belfast Reusable Cup Pilot. We are very proud to be a part of the collaborative group of organisations bringing this scheme to life, and we believe this city-wide initiative shows what can be achieved when organisations have a joint ambition to make a positive change for the future."

Pictured from participating venues are Charlotte Dryden, Oh Yeah Centre, Stephen Murray, Hospitality Belfast, Kathryn McShane, the Black Box, Danielle Mulhern, the MAC, Alistair McIlveen, North Down Marquees, Jac Callan, Visit Belfast, Iain Bell, ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, Ulster Hall and Dermot McGinn, The SSE Arena.

Photo credit: Darren Kidd, Press Eye