How to Recycle Paper Cups
Disposable hot and cold paper cups with plastic or plant-based linings, including coffee cups, fountain cups, and takeout drink cups.
Quick answer
Most paper cups are not accepted in ordinary paper recycling because a plastic lining keeps them watertight. Empty the cup, separate the lid and sleeve, then use a named cup-recycling or organics program if your local service accepts it; otherwise use trash. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Special handling
How to Prepare
- 1Empty the cup and remove the lid, straw, and sleeve
- 2Check the local program for paper cups instead of placing them with ordinary mixed paper
- 3Keep plastic lids with rigid containers only where the local program accepts them
- 4Do not put a cup with liquid or food residue into a paper recycling cart
- 5Use a reusable cup when practical
Where to Recycle
- Cup-specific recycling programs where offered
- Commercial composting programs that explicitly accept certified cups
- Household trash when no local recovery route accepts the cup
Special Instructions
Paper cups are not the same as uncoated paperboard. Some mills and municipal programs accept them, while many do not. Compostable cups also need a named commercial organics route and do not automatically belong in a backyard pile.
Environmental Impact
Reusing a cup avoids the lining, lid, and sleeve at the source. When a recycling or composting program accepts cups, keeping them empty and sorted helps the facility recover the fiber without adding liquid contamination.
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Paper cups listed by the local recycling program
- Certified compostable cups listed by the local organics facility
- Clean paper sleeves where the paper program accepts them
Not Accepted
- Paper cups in mixed paper programs that exclude coated cups
- Foam cups and plastic-lined cups in paper-only bins
- Cups with liquid left inside
- Plastic lids and straws in paper recycling
FAQs
Can paper coffee cups go in paper recycling?
Usually no, unless your local program specifically accepts cups. The plastic lining separates them from ordinary paper and paperboard.
Are paper cups compostable?
Only when the cup is certified or listed for the local commercial organics program. A compostable label is not enough for a backyard pile or every municipal bin.
Can the lid and sleeve be recycled?
The paper sleeve often follows the paper route if it is clean. The plastic lid belongs with rigid containers only where accepted. Check locally and keep both out of the paper cup itself.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Takeout Containers
- How to recycle Aseptic Cartons (Tetra Pak)
- How to recycle Compostable Packaging
- How to recycle Food-Soiled Paper & Cardboard
- How to recycle Multi-Layer Food Pouches
- How to recycle Chip Bags & Snack Wrappers
- How to recycle Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
- How to recycle Plastic Clamshell Containers
- How to recycle Aluminum Foil & Trays
- How to recycle Padded Mailers (Paper)
Recycle paper cups
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