Turning single-use coffee cups into compost is the newest enterprise at Waihī.

‘Don’t be a SUCker | Cup Cycle’ is a not-for-profit initiative by Sustainable Waihī Beach, Te Kura Tātahi o Waihī | Waihī Beach School, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, which was launched at the end of last month.

“This project aims to eliminate Single-Use Cups in our community and create a sustainable, composting culture at Waihī Beach,” Sustainable Waihī Beach coordinator Pip Coombes said.

“Our mission is to turn those pesky coffee cups into rich compost that nourishes the community garden, transforming waste into life.”

Purchasers of single-use cups of coffee are encouraged that every time they sip, they can give back to the earth.

To make the 12-week transformation project work effectively, compostable cup recycling bins are now in place throughout Waihī Beach.

Penny Wedlake and Sandy-Queyness Sydney at a Waihī Beach ‘Don’t be a SUCker | Cup Cycle’ drop-off location outside the Waihī Beach Information Hub. Photo/ Bob Tulloch.

“The students collect them weekly on bikes with a custom trailer, take them back to the school where they are shredded and fed into hot composters.

“Within three months, cups become nutrient-rich compost, used in the community garden or sold to local gardeners for a gold coin at Saturday markets,” Coombes said.

Drop-off Locations are at Waihī Beach Art Gallery, Waihī Beach Information Hub, Flatwhite Café, Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, Secret Garden and Surf Shack.

Compost compost sales from the project also support the school garden, creating a full circle of care and sustainability, Coombes said.

“Shout out to local hospitality venues Waihī Beach Events and Promotions and Menzshed for constructing our cup recycling bins. It’s community in action.”

Coombes encouraged everyone to join them on the journey to a SUC-free Waihī Beach.

“Basically, every time you sip, you’re giving back to the earth. It’s a circular economy here at Waihī Beach. Every cup counts.”