Most people try to recycle coffee cups, and most of the time it does not work. A paper cup looks like paper, but the inside is coated with a thin layer of plastic that keeps your drink from soaking through.
The hidden plastic layer
The inner coating is polyethylene, a type of plastic, according to American University’s magazine.
Most recycling markets do not accept the cups because it is difficult to separate the paper from that plastic lining.
A few cities are different
Only a handful of cities, including Washington DC, San Francisco, Seattle and New York, collect the cups, the same report says. Elsewhere, the cup usually belongs in the trash.
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What about the lid?
Plastic lids are often number 6 plastic and are recyclable in some places. Some programs reject black or dark lids because optical sorters cannot see them.
The fine print
Rules depend on your city. Check your local recycling list before tossing a cup in either bin.
Why it matters
Billions of coffee cups are used every year. The simplest win is a reusable mug, which skips the lining problem entirely.
Try it yourself
Think you know your bins? Play Sort It Right, our free recycling game, and see how many of 12 everyday items you can sort before the clock runs out.
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Submit your companySources: American University Magazine.
Key takeaways on recycle coffee cups
Here is the short version on recycle coffee cups. The inner coating is polyethylene, a type of plastic, according to American University’s magazine. Most recycling markets do not accept the cups because it is difficult to separate the paper from that plastic lining. Only a handful of cities, including Washington DC, San Francisco, Seattle and New York, collect the cups, the same report says. Plastic lids are often number 6 plastic and are recyclable in some places. Rules depend on your city. Billions of coffee cups are used every year. Think you know your bins?
Use these points on recycle coffee cups as a starting point, check the numbers against your own home or business, and share what you learn with someone who can use it.
