Coffee Cup Recycling
A simple, sustainable and cost-effective way to dispose of your used paper coffee cups
Paper – 95%” and a “Polypropylene – 5%
Coffee Cup Collection and Recycling for Businesses of All Sizes
Traditionally, paper cups have been difficult to recycle due to the polyethylene lining that is used to make them water-proof. This lining is essential for structural integrity, but it also makes separation difficult for standard recycling facilities. As a result, millions of cups are discarded daily into general waste streams—ultimately ending up in landfill or Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities.
At Printwaste, we offer a dedicated paper cup recycling collection service that overcomes this barrier. In partnership with specialist facilities, we ensure 100% of your used cups are fully recycled through a process that effectively separates the paper fibres from the plastic lining.
Our coffee cup recycling service helps:
- Reduce the volume of waste in your general bins
- Improves your recycling rate and sustainability credentials
- Supports Simpler Recycling compliance
Where we collect from
We can collect and recycle coffee cups from from a wide range of organisations including (but not limited too):
Hotels
Hospitals
Restaurants
Businesses
Leisure
From coffee cup to collection: Help your team recycle with ease
To dispose of your coffee cups sustainably, it’s essential to have the right storage solutions in place. We provide dedicated bins that make it easy for your staff and visitors to dispose of their cups correctly, whether from takeaway shops or office vending machines. We offer a range of storage solutions based on the number of coffee cups your business produces:
For small volumes:
We provide dedicated coffee cup bins designed for disposable cups, with separate sections for pouring off excess liquid, lids, stirrers and stacking cups. These bins are lined to prevent spills and leakage.
For larger volumes:
How our coffee cup recycling service works
Talk to us
Tell us about the number of paper coffee cups your business generates, and where, or book a free waste audit with one of our experts at a time convenient to you. We will send you a bespoke proposal tailored to your requirements, showcasing how and where we can add value.
Get your containers
We will provide a range of dedicated bins to fit your available space and operations, making it quick and convenient to collect and store your used coffee cups until we collect them. We will label your bins to help your staff use them correctly.
Collection
We will collect and empty your containers according to your schedule and transport your used coffee cups back to our Materials Recycling Facility. After each collection, you will receive a Waste Transfer Note to keep you compliant with all relevant waste regulations.
Recycling
All the cups we collect are compacted and baled, then delivered to a specialist reprocessing partner, where the materials are separated and recycled.
Ongoing review
As your business activity evolves and your needs change, your account manager will work with you to ensure your waste management practices remain fit for purpose across all areas of your organisation.
Why choose Printwaste?
Save money
Cost-efficient processes help reduce your waste removal costs and enhance sustainability.
Simplicity
Simplify your recycling activities with one provider for all your waste streams.
Multi-site contracts
Enjoy the ease of working with one point of contact across all your locations.
Unlimited quantity
From a few cups in the office to bagsful from your staff canteen, we can collect any quantity large or small.
Flexible
Your collection schedule and containers are tailored to the volume and frequency of cups you need to dispose of.
Peace of mind
Receive detailed, auditable reports for complete transparency on your recycling rates and service costs.
Our accreditations and partners
Our commitment to excellence is backed by multiple accreditations and partners, including:
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Frequently asked questions
Why are coffee cups hard to recycle?
Many disposable coffee cups are made of paper but also contain a waterproof plastic that prevents the liquid from soaking through. This mix of materials means only specialist recycling plants can separate the lining from the paper. In many cases, coffee cups end up in general waste and landfill.
Can my coffee cups go in with my paper and cardboard waste?
Because most paper coffee cups have a lining, they can contaminate paper recycling batches. We can provide you with dedicated coffee cup collection bins, so you and your team can separate your disposable cups from the rest of your waste paper and cardboard at source.
Should our staff wash coffee cups first?
A quick rinse would be ideal. Encourage your team to pour any remaining coffee away before throwing their cups in the dedicated collection bin.
What happens to lids and sleeves?
Please remove plastic lids and place them in your regular plastics recycling bin. Card sleeves can go in with your paper recycling bins, as they don’t have a plastic lining.
How many coffee cups does my business need to generate to use this service?
Any volume is acceptable. Whether your office gets through 20 cups a day or 2,000, we will tailor your collection schedule to match your requirements.
Where should we position coffee cup collection bins?
We recommend placing dedicated bins near coffee machines, in break rooms and at building exits where people typically dispose of their takeaway cups.
Do you provide educational materials to help staff recycle correctly?
Yes. We provide clear signage for your coffee cup bins and can provide staff guidance to ensure everyone understands what can and cannot go into these dedicated containers.
What can you reuse recycled coffee cup materials for?
The paper-based materials in takeaway coffee cups become paperboard, which is used in products like coffee sleeves and coasters. The lining can be recycled into new products.
Get started today
Let Printwaste take care of your used coffee cups. Contact us for a free quote and discover why businesses across the UK trust us with all their waste management needs.
