University cafes join Refill Oxford free tap water scheme

A new scheme designed to help the people of Oxford live more sustainable lives has launched, with two University cafes involved so far.

Refill Oxford is a mobile app that aims to help users move from bottled water to tap water by directing them to the nearest refill station at nearly 150 participating businesses to get their water bottles topped up for free. These range from pubs and restaurants to hospitals and hairdressers, and more are signing up.

The cafes in the Maths and Biochemistry buildings (in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter and the Science Area respectively) have signed up, and more University cafes may follow.

The scheme is intended to make it much easier to get tap water while out around town, reducing consumption of bottled water and hence plastic waste. The Environmental Sustainability team within Estates Services have supported its launch as it fits closely with the University’s own environmental targets.