Toward a More Circular Economy

While recycling might seem straightforward, it’s actually quite complex and challenging. Every city and jurisdiction has different rules, systems, and capabilities. Because of this, access to recycling varies by community, even for the same materials.

Starbucks recognizes we can only act on things that are in our control, so we work with hundreds of haulers nationwide to collect and recycle our cold cups, along with other recyclables, compost and trash. We also collaborate with partners across the recycling system to help expand access and improve outcomes for commonly used materials. For example, as part of this work, polypropylene cold beverage cups (commonly used for our cold beverages) have earned the Widely Recyclable designation from How2Recycle®, meaning most U.S. households are able to recycle these cups through curbside or dropoff programs. This expanded access can help reduce waste and support progress toward a more circular economy.

Recycling guidelines and infrastructure still vary by location, so we always encourage you to look for signage and bins, at home and in your community coffeehouses to clearly identify recyclable items, sort your waste carefully, empty liquids into the trash, and separate lids and straws as instructed.

Understanding the challenges recyclables face in reaching the right destination, we have focused our efforts on innovative solutions like improved and reusable cups to make a more significant, lasting impact and keep more plastic out of waste streams altogether.