Coffee Cups - Disposable Liquid Paperboard Recycling

Disposable coffee cups are mainly made from liquid paperboard (LPB), a material designed to be durable, heat-resistant, and liquid-proof. However, this widely used cup presents a significant environmental challenge. Unlike typical paper products, which can be easily broken down and repurposed, LPB cups require special processing to separate the plastic from the paper.

The Recycling Challenge

The primary issue with recycling disposable coffee cups lies in the plastic lining. Most recycling facilities are not equipped to handle the separation of the thin plastic layer from the paper, leading to many cups being discarded in landfills instead of being recycled. The cups often get contaminated with liquid, further complicating the recycling process. Recycling programs like closed-loop systems are also implemented by companies, where cups are collected, cleaned, and then remanufactured into new products, such as paper tissues or packaging.

Make sure to refer to reliable directories like EURecycle to get accurate information of the recycling centers that can take over such disposable cups.