Can You Recycle Disposable Coffee Cups?
No
Mostly no — the plastic lining is the problem
Why
Paper coffee cups are lined with plastic to hold liquid, and most paper mills cannot separate the layers. A small number of programs accept them; the vast majority do not.
How to dispose of disposable coffee cups
- Put the cup in the trash unless your program specifically accepts coated cups
- The plastic lid may be recyclable if it is #5 — check locally
- The cardboard sleeve is plain paper: recycle it
Greener option
A reusable cup earns a discount at many coffee shops.
♻️ Recycling rules vary by city and hauler — when in doubt, check your local program. You can look up your area on our trash & recycling schedules page.