Plastic Cups
What Should I Do With It?
Disposable plastic cups are manufactured from a wide variety of resins, meaning they require careful sorting before disposal. Standard cups labeled with recycling codes #1 through #5, along with non-compostable #7, are widely accepted in residential recycling streams once they are completely empty. However, classic rigid party cups made from polystyrene, or plastic #6, are highly resistant to recycling and must go in the regular trash. Additionally, bioplastics labeled as compostable or biodegradable cannot be processed alongside traditional petroleum plastics and must also be thrown in the garbage. To help reduce the massive volume of plastic waste that persists in landfills for centuries, opting for reusable cups or endlessly recyclable aluminum containers is the most effective choice.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.