Single-use cups, plates, cutlery, straws, and other single-use plastics are one of the top contaminants seen in curbside recycling bins. They’re made of plastic, so they must be recyclable right? NO! When disposable party cups or fast-food beverage cups are collected, they become smashed and broken before even making it to a recycling facility. Once the cups reach the facility, they are flat and misshapen, and are not able to be detected by sorting equipment as plastic. Put your single-use plastic items in the garbage. Or - bring your own reusable items and refuse unnecessary single-use items!
