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Celebrate International Coffee Day with free croissants and the Sussex Returnable Cup Scheme
Posted on behalf of: Sussex Uni Food
Last updated: Monday, 21 September 2026
Fancy a free mini croissant?
Thursday 1 October is International Coffee Day, and we’re celebrating by giving away free mini croissants to anyone who uses one of Sussex Uni Food’s returnable cups – whether you’ve already joined the scheme or want to sign up on the day!
How does the Returnable Cup Scheme work?
You can join when you buy a hot drink at any Sussex Uni Food outlet (except for Doctor’s Orders). After joining the scheme you’ll receive your coffee of choice in one of our sustainable, reusable cups.
When you’ve finished your drink, just drop the cup off at a Sussex Uni Food outlet and we’ll provide you with a keyring that you can swap for another returnable cup the next time you come in for a hot drink.
What are the benefits of joining the Scheme?
We take care of the washing up and you take care of the planet!
In 2025, our students and staff helped save an incredible 40,059 disposable cups from landfill, either by bringing their own reusable cup or joining the Returnable Cup Scheme.
It costs just £4.15 to join the scheme, after which you won’t have to pay the 30p charge for using a disposable cup. You’ll also get your first hot drink for free!
Other frequently asked questions
Q: What if I lose my cup?
A: We encourage people to take care of the cups as if it was their own reusable one. But if you don’t want to carry it around or think you might lose it, the cup can be returned at these Sussex Uni Food cafés: Eat Central, Botanical Café, the Library Café and the Veg Bowl @ Dhaba, as well as the ACCA. We will give you a token that clips onto your keyring, which you can exchange for a clean cup on your next purchase.
Q: I really like coffee – can I get a bigger cup?
A: Absolutely. We have 12oz and 16oz available.
Q: Why is the scheme not running in Doctor’s Orders?
A: The logistics of washing the cups in circulation means it’s currently not possible to run the scheme at Doctor’s Orders, but we’re working on it.
Q: What if I leave the University?
A: Our returnable cup initiative does not work on a deposit basis, which is why we do not offer the option of a refund. But you can take your cup with you!
Q: If I’m just visiting the University, do I need to enrol into the scheme?
A: We will not be getting rid of disposable cups completely. While we will try to minimise the use of single-use cups, we do not expect visitors and guests to be part of the scheme and we will still have disposable cups available