How to Recycle Paper Cups

Your classic to-go coffee or soda cup is designed for one-time use, but unfortunately recycling at this point is basically nonexistent in the U.S. That’s because all cups are lined with a thin coating of plastic that can’t be easily separated during the recycling process. The most innovation on paper cup disposal has come in the field of composting, and that is still limited at best.

Paper Cup Recycling Preparation

Unfortunately, odds are pretty good that you’ll have to throw the paper cup away. However, there is better news for its accessories.
You can remove the paper sleeve for coffee cups and recycle that with corrugated cardboard. The plastic lid should be recyclable if your local program accepts #1-7 plastics in non-bottle form. The straw or stirrer should be thrown away.
If you have a backyard compost bin and you purchase bio-based paper cups, you can try to compost them. The paper will break down, but you may have difficulty with the plastic lining.

Why Recycle/Compost Paper Cups

It’s estimated that 60 billion paper cups are thrown away in the U.S. each year
Coffee chains recycle less than 1 percent of their cups internally
If your paper cups are lined with polylactic acid (PLA) instead of polyethylene, they are able to be commercially composted in less than 60 days

Find Recycling Guides for Other Materials

Frequent Paper Cup Recycling Questions

Can I recycle paper cups in my curbside recycling program?

Why do paper cups contain plastic lining?

Why is it difficult for bio-based paper cups to be composted?

If I can’t recycle or compost my paper cups, then what is the solution?

Are plastic cups easier to recycle than paper cups?

Yes, unless they are expanded polystyrene (commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam). Plastic cups are generally composed of one material, usually polyethylene terephthalate (PET, or #1 plastic). If your local program accepts any plastics with a number (including most major U.S. cities), it will accept plastic cups. If you are choosing between paper or plastic cups when it comes to recycling, plastic is the better choice.

Are there any states that require paper cup recycling?

Additional Reading

Reuse Ideas for Coffee Cups, Sleeves and Stirrers: There are plenty of crafty alternatives to throwing away your coffee cups
Starbucks to Recycle Old Cups into Napkins: The world’s largest coffee retailer has come up with an option for recycling its cups
What NOT to Put in the Bin: Paper cups are just one of many common sources of contamination in curbside recycling programs