Climate action often starts with one small step – something this Meath community knows a lot about

In the heart of Meath, a small but determined group has set out to tackle one of the most visible forms of modern waste: single-use coffee cups.

The Trim Community Cup is the centrepiece of a new local initiative aimed at reducing the thousands of single-use cups that end up in bins, on streets and in landfill every year.

Under the scheme launched this year in the town, customers pay a €2 deposit for a sturdy, reusable cup. They can return it to participating cafés for a refund or swap it for a clean one when ordering their next coffee.

The idea is simple: convenience without the waste. But its ambitions go far beyond takeaway drinks.

The project is led by Trim Climate Action, a volunteer group formed by locals who love biodiversity and who are deeply concerned about the impact of climate change. The group works closely with Trim Tidy Towns, Meath County Council and other community partners as part of the Trim Circular Economy Action Plan.

Trim Climate Action’s Michael Breen said the group’s mission is rooted in urgency: “I was at college pursuing a degree at DCU in my spare time and really enjoying it. I had to leave the course as I felt I could no longer ignore the climate crisis, and I had to devote my energy to this.”

Trim is one of Meath’s nine decarbonising zones

Mr Breen said even small actions can build momentum.

“Even the biggest journey starts with a single step. It’s not much, but it is a start; a signal of our intent.”

Despite the Government rowing back on the promised ‘latte levy’ on single-use cups, the target in Trim is to remove 300,000 disposable coffee cups from local circulation through the scheme.

“A reusable cup helps to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce litter. Most disposable cups end up in our bins or in our environment, threatening biodiversity,” Mr Breen said.

Lucile Heyraud, who runs Platter by Lu in the town, explains how the scheme works.

“The idea is that it’s a cup that you don’t put in the bin, so that reduces waste,” she said.

The first time a customer has to pay a €2 deposit for their reusable cup and lid.

“The next time you come in, you don’t have to wash it. You just bring the cup as it is with the lid,” she said. “We’ll exchange it for a clean one. And if you don’t want it anymore, you can bring it back and we’ll give you your €2 back,” she said.

Lucile Heyraud showing off the Trim Community Cup at her cafe. Photo: Mark Condren

For Trim Climate Action, the goal is to embed environmental thinking into daily life.

Mr Breen gave a recent example of one resident making a personal shift: “I spoke to someone recently who made raised beds from old furniture. Now he is growing his own tomatoes, okra and salad. The food is organic and plastic-free and helps him save on his weekly shop.

“He also says spending time in his garden helps him to de-stress at the end of the day and get a better sleep.

“This is a great example of that one small change in our routine.”

The Trim Circular Economy Action Plan goes well beyond coffee cups, from reusable party packs and a cloth nappy library to repair cafes, clothing swaps, a tool-sharing directory and a community garden.

These projects are designed not only to reduce waste, but to strengthen community connections.

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“Do something. Just one small thing,” Mr Breen urged. “We are not powerless. Together we can make a difference and reduce our carbon footprint in Meath.

“Future generations will thank us.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme