Chloe Zhang
Starbucks is one of the biggest users of single-use plastic cups in the United States, and while the company encourages customers to recycle their cups, a CBS News investigation revealed that many of these cups end up in landfills and incinerators across the country. Starbucks cups are made of polypropylene, or No. 5 plastic, which is designed to be recyclable, but the process of sorting and recycling different types of plastics can be challenging. This investigation sparked discussions about the recyclability of Starbucks cups and the company's environmental impact.
Are Starbucks plastic cups recyclable?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic cup lids | Put the lids on the cups when putting them in the bin |
| Rinsing cups | Cups should be empty and clean, but there is no need to wash them |
| Starbucks plastic cold cups and lids | Accepted by Rumpke's material recovery facility and sent to paper mills for reuse |
| Starbucks paper cups | Accepted by Rumpke Waste and Recycling |
| Starbucks paper cups | Recyclable and processed into cardboard and paperboard products |
| Starbucks plastic cups | Made out of polypropylene, or No. 5 plastic |
| KW Plastics in Alabama | One of the few facilities that recycle No. 5 plastics into new material |
| Starbucks plastic cups | Rarely recycled by customers |
| Starbucks plastic cups | Often end up in landfills and incinerators |
| Starbucks personal cup policy | Allows customers to use their clean personal cup for every visit |
| Starbucks reusable cups | Being tested in more than 30 markets worldwide |
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What You'll Learn
Starbucks paper cups are recyclable
While Starbucks paper cups are recyclable, there has been some confusion and debate surrounding their recyclability due to the cups' plastic lining. Some people have alleged that Starbucks paper cups are not recyclable because of this plastic content. However, Jeffrey Meyers of Rumpke Waste and Recycling, a company that accepts Starbucks paper cups for processing, clarified that the presence of a poly-lining does not rule out the cups from being recyclable. The process for working with cups that have a poly-lining has advanced, allowing for the recycling of these materials.
It is important to note that Starbucks provides recycling bins and promotes recycling to its customers, but there have been concerns about the ultimate fate of the recycled materials. A CBS News investigation tracked plastic cups from Starbucks recycling bins to landfills and incinerators, and it was found that only a small percentage of the plastic cups are actually recycled into new content.
To address these concerns, Starbucks has set sustainability goals and is working towards making its cups 100% compostable, recyclable, or reusable by 2030. They are introducing more sustainable cold cups with reduced plastic content and encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cups, providing incentives such as discounts and loyalty programs. Starbucks is also testing out a use-and-return cup program in some countries, where customers can return their cups to the store to be cleaned, sterilized, and reused.
So, while Starbucks paper cups are recyclable, the company is actively working towards more sustainable solutions and encouraging environmentally conscious choices among its customers.
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Starbucks plastic cups are made from polypropylene
Starbucks has been the subject of much discussion on social media, with thousands of posts about their cups. Starbucks' plastic cups are made from polypropylene, or No. 5 plastic, which is a rigid plastic. This type of plastic is challenging to recycle due to the unique characteristics, chemicals, and additives it contains. While Starbucks has promoted recycling to its customers, the reality is that only a small percentage of these cups are actually recycled.
Polypropylene is used in Starbucks cups to ensure durability and liquid-proofing, especially for hot drinks. However, when hot liquids come into contact with this plastic lining, there is a risk of chemical leaching, with one particular concern being bisphenol A (BPA). This molecule has been linked to health issues such as endocrine disruption and reproductive problems.
The recyclability of Starbucks' polypropylene cups has been a contentious issue. While Starbucks has maintained that the cups are recyclable, environmental advocates and green groups have disputed this claim. Jan Dell, an independent chemical engineer, and founder of the nonprofit The Last Beach Cleanup, conducted an investigation in which she placed tracking devices in empty Starbucks cups deposited in the chain's recycling bins. Her findings revealed that, despite Starbucks' assertions, the cups did not get recycled in practice, often ending up in landfills or incineration facilities.
In response to the criticism and growing environmental concerns, Starbucks has started transitioning away from polypropylene cups. As of February 2025, about 580 of its stores in the United States have replaced plastic cups for cold drinks with paper versions lined with a thin layer of bioplastic for liquid resistance. This move aligns with Starbucks' sustainability target to make all of its packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030.
While Starbucks is taking steps towards more sustainable practices, there is still a long way to go. Environmental advocates continue to call for a shift from a single-use mindset to systems of refill and reuse, prioritizing reusable containers over single-use plastic, bioplastic, or aluminum alternatives.
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Starbucks plastic cups rarely get recycled
Starbucks has been encouraging its customers to recycle their plastic cups, but unfortunately, these cups rarely get recycled. Starbucks is one of the largest users of single-use plastic cups in the United States, and despite the company's efforts to promote recycling, most of these cups end up in landfills and incinerators.
A CBS News investigation tracked plastic cups from Starbucks recycling bins to various locations across the country, including landfills and waste transfer centers. In one instance, a cup with a tracker was dropped at a Starbucks store in East Los Angeles and was tracked for 1.5 miles to a waste transfer center. Similarly, another cup dropped in Hollywood was followed for 13 miles to a waste transfer center in Sun Valley, which also operates as a materials recovery facility.
The issue with recycling Starbucks plastic cups lies in the nature of the plastic itself. The cups are made from polypropylene, or No. 5 plastic, which is designed to be recyclable. However, the recycling process for plastic is complex due to the thousands of different types of plastic, each with unique characteristics, chemicals, and additives. This makes sorting and recycling a challenging task.
Additionally, there are limited facilities equipped to recycle No. 5 plastic. Starbucks provided a list of four facilities that collect and sort No. 5 plastics, but only one company, KW Plastics in Alabama, recycles these cups into new plastic items. According to the latest EPA report, out of the 160,000 tons of plastic waste generated by No. 5 cups and plates in the US each year, less than 1% is recycled.
While Starbucks promotes the use of reusable cups and allows customers to bring their own cups, the convenience and prevalence of single-use plastic cups continue to contribute to significant plastic waste. The company asserts that they can only control what happens within their stores and are working with external partners to ensure proper waste management. However, the reality is that Starbucks plastic cups rarely get recycled, and the public's assumption that these cups are recyclable may be misleading.
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Starbucks plastic cups can be recycled at Rumpke's material recovery facility
Starbucks has been encouraging its customers to recycle their plastic cups. However, it is harder than it seems, as evidenced by a CBS News investigation that tracked Starbucks plastic cups from recycling bins to landfills and incinerators. Starbucks cups are made of polypropylene, or No. 5 plastic, which is designed to be recyclable, and there are facilities in the US that can do this. However, only 1% of the 160,000 tons of plastic waste made up of No. 5 cups and plates generated in the US each year is recycled.
Rumpke Waste and Recycling is one of the facilities that accept disposable paper, plastic, and aluminum cups in its curbside, drop box, and single-stream recycling programs. Rumpke customers can recycle plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups. Starbucks plastic cold cups and lids are accepted in Rumpke's recycling program. Once the cups are processed at Rumpke's material recovery facility, they are sent to paper mills for reuse. According to Rumpke's website, "Paper cups processed at Rumpke's recycling facilities will be made into cardboard and paperboard products, plastic cups will be used to make new plastic containers, and aluminum cups will be made into aluminum cans."
To recycle your Starbucks plastic cup at Rumpke's material recovery facility, make sure that the cup is empty and as clean as possible. There is no need to wash the cup, but rinsing it will help eliminate food contamination, which can disrupt the recycling process. Put the lid back on the cup before tossing it into the recycling bin.
It is important to note that not all of Rumpke's locations accept plastic clamshell containers, such as those used for packaging food and takeout items. Be sure to check if your location offers clamshell recycling before including these items in your recycling.
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Starbucks encourages customers to bring their own cups
Starbucks has made efforts to encourage customers to bring their own cups, as part of its commitment to reducing waste and environmental impact. The company allows customers to use their clean personal cups for every visit, including in drive-thru and mobile orders. This initiative is currently being piloted in over 30 markets worldwide, with the goal of reducing waste and promoting reusability.
Starbucks has also introduced reusable cups in select markets, making them the default option for to-go drinks. For example, in Petaluma, California, Starbucks collaborated with partners and customers to promote reusability across the entire city. This initiative is in line with Starbucks' support for sustainable packaging policies, which aim to reduce waste sent to landfills and promote circularity.
In addition to encouraging the use of personal and reusable cups, Starbucks has also developed compostable cold cups and lids. These new cups are made from fiber-based paper board with a bioplastic liner, contributing to the company's environmental goals. Starbucks is committed to testing and implementing solutions that reduce waste and promote sustainability.
While Starbucks promotes recycling to its customers, there have been concerns about the fate of its single-use plastic cups. Investigations by CBS News and KCAL Los Angeles revealed that despite recycling efforts, many of these cups end up in landfills and incinerators across the country. The issue is attributed to the complexity of recycling plastic, with thousands of different types and limited facilities equipped to handle specific plastics.
To address this challenge, Starbucks provides a list of facilities that recycle its No. 5 plastic cups and works with external partners to ensure proper waste management. However, the recycling rate for these cups remains low, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing single-use plastic waste. Starbucks' encouragement of personal and reusable cups is a significant step towards reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Starbucks cups are made out of polypropylene, or No. 5 plastic, and are designed to be recyclable. However, only a small percentage of these cups are actually recycled due to the complexities of sorting and recycling. Starbucks provides a list of facilities that collect and sort No. 5 plastics, but only a few recycle them into new products.
Unlike other recyclable materials such as glass, paper, or aluminum, plastics are not uniform. There are thousands of different types of plastics, each with unique characteristics, making sorting and recycling challenging. Additionally, once the cups leave Starbucks stores, the infrastructure and external parties involved in waste management can impact the recycling process.
Starbucks is taking steps towards environmental sustainability by offering customers the option to use their clean personal cups and testing reusable cups in various markets. They are also developing compostable cold cups and lids made from fiber-based paper board with a bioplastic liner.
Yes, it is recommended to keep the cups as clean as possible and put the lids back on before disposing of them in the recycling bin. Starbucks also accepts other fast-food plastic cups and lids for recycling.
