BACKSTAGE The SSE Arena, Belfast Joins Citywide Trial of Reusable Cups

Driven by the Venue Sustainability Forum, The SSE Arena, The Waterfront Hall, Ulster Hall, Oh Yeah Centre, Black Box, Voodoo, and The MAC have all invested in the scheme, with other venues lined up to join the next phase of the Belfast-wide rollout. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy their drinks while actively playing a role in reducing single-use plastic waste, contributing to a cleaner and greener Belfast.

Dermot McGinn, Group Head of Food and Beverage at The Odyssey Trust, said: “The SSE Arena is proud to be the first venue involved in this trial to implement reusable cups. As Northern Ireland’s premier entertainment destination, we are committed to providing customers with the best experience every time while also minimising our environmental impact wherever possible. We are pleased to work alongside other forward-thinking venues to tackle single-use plastic waste and support a more sustainable future for entertainment in Northern Ireland."

The participating organisations will partner with North Down Marquees, which will deliver reusable cups to the venues and collect used ones for cleaning and sanitisation at a new state-of-the-art washing facility in Carryduff.

Jac Callan, Senior Manager of Sustainability and Impact at Visit Belfast, commented: “Visit Belfast is delighted to welcome this innovative initiative and to see a diverse range of venues investing in solutions to reduce the events industry’s environmental impact. This collaborative approach not only helps Belfast remain competitive as an events destination but also plays a pivotal role in reducing single-use plastics and driving meaningful environmental change.”

This trial is part of a broader push by Visit Belfast to make the city a leader in sustainability. Alongside The SSE Arena, several other prominent venues are participating in the scheme, showcasing the city’s collective commitment to reducing environmental impact.