Belfast’s entertainment venues are launching an ambitious scheme to eliminate single-use plastic cups, with major venues including the SSE Arena, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall joining forces in a city-wide sustainability initiative.
The 12-month pilot program, which aims to remove two million single-use plastic cups and 40 tons of plastic waste annually, will see venues transition to a reusable cup system managed by North Down Marquees. The company will handle distribution, collection, and washing of cups at a central facility in Carryduff.
The SSE Arena will lead the initiative, becoming Northern Ireland’s first venue to introduce the reusable cups in mid-January. Dermot McGinn of The Odyssey Trust expressed pride in pioneering the change, while smaller venues like the Oh Yeah Centre, Black Box, Voodoo, and The MAC have also committed to the program.
According to The Journal, the scheme addresses both safety and sustainability concerns, as Iain Bell from the International Convention & Exhibition Centre Belfast noted that while the switch from glass to plastic remains important for safety, the reusable option offers a sustainable solution.
Grassroots venues have particularly welcomed the initiative. Black Box Director Kathryn McShane revealed they had long sought alternatives to single-use cups, while The MAC’s Emmett Ross tied the program to their 2025/26 ‘Climate in Action’ focus.
The project, coordinated by the Venue Sustainability Forum with Visit Belfast’s support, is expected to expand to include additional venues in its next phase, marking a significant step toward more sustainable entertainment in Northern Ireland.