Can paper cups be recycled?

Learn how paper cups are made and the right way to recycle them

Do you want to know more about what happens to your paper cup when it is collected for recycling?

There are challenges when it comes to collecting and recycling disposable paper cups. We want to help explain the process of how these cups are collected and recycled, what you can do to help ensure your paper cup is disposed of responsibly and what it could be turned into once recycled.

Where to recycle disposable paper cups near me…

Find your nearest disposable paper cups recycling point

Paper cups and recycling explained

There’s a common misconception that paper cups can’t be recycled in the UK because they contain a plastic lining.

In reality, most paper cups are made from around 95% paper with a thin plastic lining. While this means they’re not usually accepted in mixed recycling at home or on the go, they can be recycled separately.

Thanks to the National Cup Recycling Scheme, several UK recycling facilities can now accept and recycle paper cups. These specialist paper mills use a slightly different process to separate the paper from the lining, turning used cups into new paper products. With the right collection points in place, many more paper cups could be recycled every year.

The reality of paper cups on the go

The main challenge with recycling paper cups is collecting them separately so they can be properly recycled.

While switching to reusable cups is a positive step, it isn’t always practical. Many people buy drinks on the go and don’t always have a reusable cup with them. Even the most organised among us forget sometimes, and carrying a used cup around all day can be inconvenient.

Paper cups are undeniably convenient. They allow people to enjoy a hot drink while shopping on a cold day, or a refreshing cold drink in the summer, and they help retailers serve customers quickly and efficiently.

Interestingly, paper cups can also have a lower carbon footprint than some alternatives. A life cycle analysis study co-commissioned by Huhtamaki found that ceramic cups need to be used at least 350 times, and reusable steel cups at least 130 times, to have a lower carbon footprint than paper cups.

Whatever cup you choose, the most important thing is to dispose of it responsibly so it can be collected and recycled.

You can make sure your paper cups are recycled...

by taking them to dedicated paper cup recycling points. Many drink retailers offer in-store cup recycling, and you can find your nearest by entering your postcode here.

In stores with cup recycling facilities, you may see bins with three separate sections: one for paper cups, one for lids, and one for liquids. In some cases, you may be asked to hand your cup back to the barista, so please follow the guidance provided in store.

Paper from disposable cups can be recycled up to seven times and turned into new products such as paper bags, greetings cards, and notebooks. It’s a great feeling knowing your cup can be given a new life, and not just as coffee!